COMM. RELATIONS ADMINISTRATION COACHES 2009 REVIEW RECORDS & RESULTS History 289 ATLANTAFALCONS.COM
COMM. RELATIONS RANKIN M. SMITH TEAM FOUNDER Team owner and founder Rankin M. Smith passed away from heart complications just hours before the Falcons October 26, 1997 game at Carolina. Some of the largest footprints on professional, college and high school sports in Atlanta belong to Smith, who founded the Atlanta Falcons in 1966. Over three decades ago in the early 1960s, Smith began planting the seeds that saw professional sports finally blossom in Atlanta. 2009 REVIEW He was a pioneer and a quiet leader. He was a person of great integrity and had a lot of respect from me and my predecessor, Pete Rozelle, and from all of the other owners. He was such a high quality person. He was a person on whose work you could rely on. In the 1960s he was a pioneer in bringing the NFL to Georgia, and particularly in the Southeast. Former NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue RECORDS & RESULTS COACHES ADMINISTRATION // TEAM FOUNDER: RANKIN M. SMITH Smith was part of a group that formed Major Sports, Inc., with goals of pro sports franchises for Atlanta. That group helped get Atlanta Stadium built by 1965. Major Sports, Inc., later became the Stadium Authority that operated Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium. 290 Smith paid the highest price in NFL history at the time in 1965 for an NFL franchise. Former commissioner Pete Rozelle and Smith made the deal in about five minutes and the Atlanta Falcons brought the largest and most popular sport to the city of Atlanta. Smith worked with the city, county and state to build one of the largest facilities for conventions, trade shows and other major events in the world. The spectacular Georgia Dome opened its doors in 1992, giving the Falcons one of the best fan-friendly stadiums in America. Having the Georgia Dome helped bring the Olympic games to Atlanta in 1992. He was the catalyst and driving force in bringing the most prestigious of all sporting events, the Super Bowl, to Atlanta in 1994. The week-long fanfare and the most-watched TV sport in the world, added a huge economic value to the city and tons of free publicity to lure other events, conventions and meetings to the city. He lobbied hard to bring back the game to Atlanta in 2000. ATLANTAFALCONS.COM
// CAPSULE The date June 30, 1965, will always be remembered as both a termination and a commencement in the history of Atlanta sports. For on that day the end came to the many and disparate struggles to place a professional football team in the Southeast s key metropolis. At the same time the Atlanta Falcons were born and began a storied tenure in the National Football League. All that had gone before the successes (an $18 million stadium to play in) and the near-misses (aborted attempts to place other franchises in the city) was set aside for the immediate business of fielding a team in little over a year s time. Prime mover in this task was Rankin Smith, a young insurance executive who had controlling ownership of the Falcons. Virtually unknown to the general public before that June day, Smith immediately endeared himself to aficionados of the sport by asking a choice rhetorical question at a press conference following his acquisition of the franchise: Doesn t every adult male in America want to own his own football team? Not every adult male American has the wherewithal to swing such a deal, but it was comforting to hear that a man is capable of dreams like those of any other guy. The day s proceedings threw the city into a happy delirium unequaled in the history of football. By the time Smith got back to his insurance office 24 hours later, there had been over 1,000 phone calls for tickets. He had to push his way through stacks of mail. By August, when a contest was completed which resulted in the nickname Falcons, a few of the avid fans even had come to blows in defense of what they believed their adopted team should be called. Several persons suggested the name Falcons in a contest, but a school teacher from nearby Griffin, Miss Julia Elliott, was selected winner because of her reasons: the falcon is proud and dignified, with great courage and fight. It never drops prey. It is deadly and has a great sporting tradition. By the middle of December, Smith had signed the most coveted college football player in the nation, Texas linebacker Tommy Nobis. By Christmas Eve, when the Falcons cut off a brief 54-day ticket sale requiring almost no promotion, an NFL record had been established for season tickets sold by a new club (45,000). And in January, Smith surprised the entire athletic fraternity by naming a head coach who never had been mentioned in the perpetual stream of journalistic speculation about the job. But Green A TLANTAFALCONS.COM Bay Packer assistant Norb Hecker assumed his new post with vigor and immediately embraced the gigantic job of sifting along with Director of Player Personnel Gene Cronin a huge list of NFL players made available to the Atlanta expansion team by other teams in the league. Finally, three men were chosen from each club and these 42 formed the nucleus of the roster Hecker had to work with when he took the team to summer training camp in Black Mountain, North Carolina in early July. Added to this group were the drafted rookies, scores of free agents and a few miscellaneous players obtained in trades. In all, Hecker and his staff were faced with evaluating over 130 men from July to September. Then, on August 27, in Columbia, South Carolina, the Falcons recorded their first victory, defeating the San Francisco 49ers, 24 17, in a preseason game. Once the stadium, Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium, was built, Atlantans felt the time was ripe to start pursuing professional football. One independent group which had been active in NFL preseason promotions in Atlanta applied for franchises in both the AFL and the NFL, acting entirely on its own with no guarantee of stadium rights. Another group reported it had deposited earnest money for a team in the AFL. With everyone running in different directions, some local businessmen worked out a deal and were awarded an AFL franchise on June 7, 1965, contingent upon acquiring exclusive stadium rights from city officials. NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle, who had been moving deliberately in Atlanta matters, headed on the next plane down to Atlanta to protect his league s claim on the city of Atlanta. He forced the city to make a choice between the two leagues. Of course, on that memorable June 30, Rankin Smith and the NFL were the choice. The huge void which had been the Southeast without an NFL team was beginning to close. Fans were looking now toward Atlanta. The Falcons expect to be filling that void for a long time. A new chapter in the history of the Atlanta Falcons began on December 6, 2001. On that day, Arthur M. Blank, the co-founder and retired co-chairman of Atlanta-based Home Depot, reached a preliminary agreement with the Falcons Taylor Smith to purchase the team. In a special meeting prior to Super Bowl XXXVI in New Orleans on February 2, 2002, NFL owners voted unanimously to approve the purchase. 291 COMM. RELATIONS ADMINISTRATION COACHES 2009 REVIEW RECORDS & RESULTS
RECORDS & RESULTS 2009 REVIEW COACHES ADMINISTRATION COMM. RELATIONS 1966 Rankin M. Smith was awarded, by the National Football League, a franchise for the city of Atlanta for $8.5 million. At the time there were 14 NFL franchises in existence, eight AFL clubs. Officially, Atlanta became the 23 rd professional football club in existence, the 15 th in the NFL prior to the merger. An average of 56,526 people filled Atlanta Stadium to watch the Falcons finish their inaugural season at 3 11. The Falcons claimed their first victory on November 20, defeating the New York Giants, 27 16, at storied Yankee Stadium. Head Coach Norb Hecker s team, at the time, became the only expansion team in history not to finish in last place. The Falcons finished in seventh place in a field of eight teams in the NFL s Eastern Conference. The Falcons first pick in the draft, LB Tommy Nobis, was voted to the Pro Bowl and named Rookie of the Year. 1967 A disappointing second year saw the Falcons finish the season at 1 12 1. While the broad picture looked bleak, there were cameos of excellence that led to a promising future. LB Tommy Nobis was named to his second Pro Bowl and RB Junior Coffey ended the year with 722 yards to finish as the eighth leading rusher in the league and the Falcons Most Valuable Player. 1968 Norm Van Brocklin was named to replace Norb Hecker as head coach after three games in the season. The 2 12 Falcons won twice after Brocklin s arrival and finished short by a touchdown or less in three other games. DE Claude Humphrey, the Falcons first-round draft choice, was voted NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year for his play at left end. Billy Lothridge, despite having to start at safety, won his second consecutive NFL punting championship. LB Tommy Nobis was also named to his thirdstraight Pro Bowl. 1969 The Falcons doubled their best victory total ending the season at 6 8. Atlanta started the season with its first victory in a season opener, a 24 12 decision, vs. San Francisco at Fulton-County Stadium. Backup QB Randy Johnson was named NFL Offensive Player of the Week for his four-touchdown effort in the Falcons 48 31 victory over the Chicago Bears on November16. RB Harmon Wages scored three touchdowns vs. New Orleans on December 7, as he threw, caught and ran for a touchdown in a 45 17 win. The club would finish the season in its highest place yet in the Coastal Division at third. Seven Falcons were named to the Pro Bowl: RB Jim Butler, QB Bob Berry, LB Greg Brezina, K Bob Etter, T George Kunz, TE Jim Mitchell and DB Ken Reaves. // YEAR BY YEAR 1970 The Falcons completed their fifth season at 4 8 2, but were not far away from having their first winning season as four times Atlanta led deep in the fourth quarter (vs. San Francisco, Green Bay, Los Angeles and Philadelphia) only to lose or be tied in the final moments. Quarterback Bob Berry had the franchise s first 300-yard passing game vs. the Packers on September 27 and RB Jim Butler set a new club record in rushing with 127 yards on 17 carries in the home opener vs. the 49ers on October 4. Over 30 million viewers saw the Falcons face the Dolphins in Atlanta s first game nationally on Monday Night Football with Miami prevailing, 20 7. Defensive end Claude Humphrey, T George Kunz and LB Tommy Nobis represented the Falcons at the Pro Bowl. 1971 For the first time in team history, ticket prices are raised. Most seats increase in price from $6 to $7.50. Head coach Norm Van Brocklin was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina, becomes the third home of the Falcons training camp. The Falcon uniform is also changed as the team switches to red jerseys. On November 22, Atlanta wins its first nationallytelevised game with a 28 21 victory over Green Bay at home on Monday Night Football. The Falcons post their first winning season in history at 7 6 1, after WR Ken Burrow pulls in a winning touchdown pass from QB Bob Berry with 40 seconds remaining in a 24 20 victory over New Orleans on December 19 in the regular-season finale, but still do not qualify for the postseason. DE Claude Humphrey is named to his second-straight Pro Bowl. 1972 Draft rights for Heisman Trophy winner Pat Sullivan of Auburn are obtained as the Falcons make four deals involving six veterans. RB Dave Hampton scores two touchdowns and rushes for a club record of 161 yards as the Falcons stop Los Angeles, 31 3, on October 1 for the team s first victory ever, in 11 games, over the Rams. Fellow RB Art Malone rushes for 103 yards, marking the first time in Atlanta s seven-year history that two backs 1973 Smashing 35 team records, the Falcons defeat New Orleans in the season opener, 62 7. In one of the most dramatic comebacks in the club s history, Atlanta rebounds to defeat the previously unbeaten Minnesota Vikings, 20 14, before a capacity crowd and national-television audience at Atlanta Stadium. The Falcons finish the season at 9 5 for their most wins and best record ever, but lose out for the playoffs by just one game. Rookie kicking 292 A TLANTAFALCONS.COM
// YEAR BY YEAR specialist Nick Mike-Mayer, DE Claude Humphrey, DE John Zook and T George Kunz were named to the National Football Conference Pro Bowl team on December 18. 1974 Norm Van Brocklin is fired as head coach-general manager after eight games into the season on November 5. Marion Campbell, the Falcons defensive coordinator since 1969, is named head coach the following day. A record low of 40,202 no shows is recorded at Atlanta Stadium as Los Angeles defeats the Falcons, 30 7, in sub-freezing weather on December 1. Rookie QB Kim McQuilken, making his second start of the year, leads the Falcons to a season-closing 10 3 victory over Green Bay to finish the team s record for the year at 3 11. DE Claude Humphrey and C Jeff Van Note are selected to represent Atlanta at the Pro Bowl. 1975 The Falcons trade veteran T George Kunz and a draft choice to Baltimore for the No. 1 pick in the 1975 NFL draft. Atlanta also got the Colts sixth round choice. QB Steve Bartkowski of California, a consensus All- America, is selected by the Falcons as the No. 1 draft choice on January 28. On February 26, Pat Peppler, instrumental in the construction of two Super Bowl championships at Green Bay (1967 and 1968) and Miami (1973 and 1974), is named the Falcons new general manager. RB Dave Hampton finally cracked the elusive 1,000-yard Club, by gaining 61 yards in the final game of the season against the Green Bay Packers. Those yards pushed his total to 1,002, making him the first back in Falcons history to gain 1,000 or more yards rushing. Atlanta ended the season at 4 10. The Falcons had two players selected to the Pro Bowl following the season: C Jeff Van Note and P John James. 1976 After the club s fourth loss in five starts, Marion Campbell is fired as head coach. Chairman of the Board Rankin M. Smith Sr. names Pat Peppler interim head coach on October 11. Atlanta exploded for 17 points in the fourth quarter to upset playoffbound Dallas, 17 10, on Nov. 21, before 54,992 fans at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium. Under Peppler, the Falcons finish the season 4 10. P John James is selected to his second straight Pro Bowl. 1977 The Falcons begin a complete revamping of the front office. On February 1, former Washington Redskin and Dallas Cowboy QB Eddie LeBaron is named General Manager and Rankin M. Smith, Jr. is named President of the team. Leeman Bennett, an assistant A TLANTAFALCONS.COM coach with the Los Angeles Rams for four years, is named the Falcons head coach on February 3. During the season, the Falcons defense established a modern-day NFL record of 129 points allowed in a 14-game season, as the club finishes 7 7. The defense gains the popular nickname The Gritz Blitz. P John James, DE Claude Humphrey and DB Rolland Lawrence are named to the Pro Bowl. 1978 On March 30, the Falcons announce plans for a new year-round training site and team headquarters to be constructed in Suwanee, Georgia. The team unveiled new uniforms, which featured silver-gray pants on August 19. The Falcons record their first ever shutout in Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium on October 15, with a 14 0 defeat of Detroit. K Tim Mazzetti kicks five field goals to give Atlanta a 15 7 Monday Night victory over the Los Angeles Rams on October 30. On December 16, the Falcons clinch their first ever playoff berth when Chicago defeats Washington as the Falcons close out the season with a 9 7 record. QB Steve Bartowski throws two touchdown passes in the final eight minutes to spark a 14 13 Atlanta win vs. Philadelphia in the NFC Wild card Playoff Game on December 24 for the Falcons first-ever playoff victory. The Falcons lose the next week in the Divisional Playoff Game 27 20 at Dallas after squandering a 20 13 halftime lead. 1979 Rookie RB William Andrews establishes a new club single game rushing record with a 167-yard performance at New Orleans on September 2, in his NFL debut. On September 16, QB Steve Bartkowski sets a new franchise record for single game passing with 326 yards on 20 of 29 passing against Denver. Running back Lynn Cain becomes the first Falcon player to ever score three touchdowns in a single game as he catches two and rushes for another against Oakland on October 14. In a 31 21 victory over San Francisco on December 16, records were broken for the season by Andrews with 1,023 yards rushing, WR Wallace Francis with 74 catches for 1,013 yards and by Bartkowski with 2,502 passing yards (203 379). The Falcons finish the year at 6 10 and C Jeff Van Note is selected to play in the Pro Bowl. 1980 The Falcons go on a nine-game winning streak, starting with a 41 14 rout of New Orleans, to finish with a 12 4 record to capture the team s first-ever NFC Western Division title. The Falcons nine straight wins and 12 wins on the season are both club bests. In a battle of 12 4 teams in Atlanta, the Falcons build a 27 17 lead over Dallas in the NFC Divisional Playoff game, but are defeated by the Cowboys 30 293 COMM. RELATIONS ADMINISTRATION COACHES 2009 REVIEW RECORDS & RESULTS
RECORDS & RESULTS 2009 REVIEW COACHES ADMINISTRATION COMM. RELATIONS 27 in front of the largest crowd in stadium history (60,022). The year features club records in passing from QB Steve Bartkowski (3,544 yards and 31 TDs), rushing by RB William Andrews (1,308 yards) and receiving by WR Alfred Jenkins (1,025 yards) plus LB Al Richardson got a takeaway in nine consecutive games as the team garnered a total of 42 takeaways. A record six Falcons are selected to play in the Pro Bowl: Andrews, Bartkowski, Jenkins, C Jeff Van Note, T Mike Kenn and TE Junior Miller. 1981 Trailing Green Bay 17 0 after three quarters on the road, the Falcons erupt for an NFL record tying 31 fourth quarter points in a 31 17 win. The team finishes the year at 7 9 and has a club record seven members selected to the Pro Bowl: T Mike Kenn, QB Steve Bartkowski, C Jeff Van Note, WR Alfred Jenkins, RB William Andrews, TE Junior Miller and G R.C. Thielemann. The team will look back on seven losses of five points or less as to why they finished with the 7 9 record. The defeats were by 1,2,2,3,3,3 and 5 points. 1982 Season ticket sales are halted after reaching a club record 55,144 as Atlanta finishes the strikeshortened season at 5 4. For the third time in five seasons, the Falcons go to the playoffs with a playoffclinching 17 7 victory on national-television at San Francisco on December 19. In the opening round of the playoffs at Minnesota, the Falcons special teams score touchdowns on a blocked punt and a fake field goal to help build a 21 13 lead in the second half. But the Vikings rally for 14 points in the 4 th quarter to win 30 24. T Mike Kenn, G R.C. Thielemann, C Jeff Van Note and RB William Andrews are selected to the Pro Bowl. 1983 The Falcons end the year with a 7 9 record as new head coach Dan Henning takes over the team. DE Kenny Johnson became only the 12 th player in NFL history to score two touchdowns in the same game on interception returns as Atlanta defeats Green Bay 41 34 in overtime. Running back William Andrews sets a new club record with 331 rushing attempts for 1,567 yards. QB Steve Bartkowski has his third 3,000-yard season and set a team mark with a 63.4% completion rate and just a 1.1% interception rate (5 interceptions in 432 passing attempts), while C Jeff Van Note starts his 200 th game as a Falcon on December 18. // YEAR BY YEAR 1984 RB Gerald Riggs takes over for the Falcons all time leading rusher William Andrews who is out for the season after knee surgery. On opening day at New Orleans, Riggs sets a new club record with 35 attempts for 202 yards in a 36 28 win. This begins the first of three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons for Riggs who carries 483 times over 18 games without fumbling. The Falcons finish the year at 4 12. 1985 PR Billy White Shoes Johnson became the NFL s alltime leading punt returner as he gains 58 yards in the season opener versus Detroit on September 8. On the final game of the season, RB Gerald Riggs runs for 158 yards, his 9 th 100-yard game of the year, in a 16 10 win at New Orleans to finish the season with 1,719 yards and leads the NFC in rushing, while being named to the Pro Bowl. The team ends their second straight season at 4 12. Eddie LeBaron, Vice President and CEO, is dismissed, while former Falcon head coach Marion Campbell is hired as defensive coordinator. 1986 The Falcons soared to four straight wins by beating New Orleans, St. Louis, Dallas and Tampa Bay for the best-ever start in club history. On December 14, Atlanta Fulton-County Stadium played host to C Jeff Van Note day as the 18-year veteran center was honored after 246 games. With all his family present, Van Note was presented gifts including a vintage 1957 Chevy (symbolic of his jersey #57 and being a classic). K Mick Luckhurst extended his club record to 117 consecutive PATs, as the team lost seven of their last nine contests to end the year at 7 8 1. G Bill Fralic and RB Gerald Riggs were selected to represent the Falcons at the Pro Bowl. 1987 For the second time in his career, Marion Campbell is named head coach of the team. After being defeated 48 10 at Tampa Bay in the season opener the Falcons rebound claiming victory over the eventual World Champion Washington Redskins 21 20 in front of over 50,000 fans at Fulton- County Stadium on September 20. Also on that day, PR Billy White Shoes Johnson added another milestone to his brilliant career by becoming the NFL s all-time leading punt returner by recording his 259 th lifetime return. On September 22, the NFL Players Association walk off the job for the second time in five years, but only one game is cancelled. The League s owners decide to continue with replacement players. RB Gerald Riggs becomes the club s all-time leading rusher with 5,987 yards, surpassing William Andrews on December 6. P Rick Donnelly and WR Sylvester Stamps claim a pair of 294 A TLANTAFALCONS.COM
// YEAR BY YEAR NFL individual titles as they finish the season with the league s punting title with a 44.03 average and a league-best 27.5 kickoff return average, respectively. The Falcons end the year with a 3 12 record, while G Bill Fralic and Riggs are named to the Pro Bowl. 1988 An improving Falcons defense was among the best in the NFL during the second half of the season as Atlanta finishes the 88 campaign at 5 11. Atlanta s baby boomers (average age of 25) allowed only six touchdowns over the final seven games. CB Scott Case laid claim to a spot in the Pro Bowl by being named NFC Defensive Player of the Month for November. Case picked off 10 passes on the season to finish atop the league charts and set a Falcons record for interceptions in a season. Running back John Settle put his name in the league record book by becoming the first free agent in NFL history since the 1970 merger to gain 1,000 yards in a season with 1,024 yards. G Bill Fralic joined Case and Settle in the Pro Bowl following the season. 1989 CB Deion Prime Time Sanders, who after a lengthy holdout, reports to camp and takes part in practice on Friday and a Saturday walk-through before the season opener versus the Los Angeles Rams. In the first quarter, Sanders returns a punt 68 yards for a touchdown. After hitting a home run for the New York Yankees earlier in the week, it makes him the only modern day athlete to hit a homerun and score a touchdown in the same week. G Bill Fralic goes to a fourth consecutive Pro Bowl, the only guard in the NFL to do so, and is named to the 2 nd team of the All-NFL team of the 80 s. Rookie WR Shawn Collins leads all NFL rookies and sets a club rookie mark with 58 catches, while Sanders gains post season recognition by leading all rookie defensive backs with five interceptions and gaining over 1,000 yards in return yardage. Head coach Marion Campbell announces his resignation after 12 games (3 9); leaving assistant head coach Jim Hanifan to take over for the final four games. The team ends the season with a 3 13 mark. 1990 Former Falcons defensive coordinator and Houston Oilers head coach Jerry Glanville accepts the offer to become the Falcons 9 th head coach in franchise history. The team announces plans for their 25 th Anniversary season that includes going back to the original black jerseys of 1966. In addition, black helmets are unveiled along with the anniversary logo patches for the uniforms. With the number one pick in the draft, Atlanta trades with Indianapolis for sixtime Pro Bowl lineman T Chris Hinton, all-rookie WR A TLANTAFALCONS.COM Andre Rison and the following year s #1 pick. The Falcons close their first ever undefeated preseason at 4 0 with a 45 14 win over New England. On September 9, Houston comes to town to face Atlanta and their former coach, but the Falcons prevail scoring three defensive touchdowns en route to a 47 27 victory. The Falcons led the NFL with a 3.3 per carry rush defense as the team moved up in over 20 statistical categories from the previous season to finish the year at 5 11. LB Jessie Tuggle led the NFL in tackles with 201 and Rison sets a club mark with 82 pass receptions on his way to a Pro Bowl berth. 1991 The Falcons proved to be one of the most exciting and entertaining teams of the NFL in 91, winning six straight games down the stretch and eight of their last 11 contests, to earn a playoff berth at 10 6. Atlanta had the second most wins in club history with 11 and captured their first road playoff victory at New Orleans. The Falcons also made team history by sweeping through their NFC West road trips by defeating the Saints, Rams, and 49ers, giving San Francisco their only home loss on the season. A sellout crowd witnessed the Falcons final home game of the 1991 season, as well as Atlanta s final game in Fulton-County Stadium. The Falcons defeated Seattle, 26 13, to run their home win streak to five straight. CBs Deion Sanders and Tim McKyer both co-led the NFC in interceptions with six apiece. Sanders was joined at the Pro Bowl by teammates WR Andre Rison, QB Chris Miller and T Chris Hinton. 1992 On August 23, a sold-out crowd and a national TV audience saw the Falcons win the first-ever football game in the new Georgia Dome, 20 10, over the Philadelphia Eagles. In the regular season opener in the Dome, Atlanta scored on their first four possessions en route to a 20 17 win over the New York Jets before another sellout crowd. The Falcons led the NFL with a club record 33-touchdown passes and became the only team to have 30 or more touchdowns in both 91 and 92. The 336 pass completions were a club season best as were the 194 passing first downs. WR Andre Rison set a club record with 93 receptions and became the first player in NFL history to have 300 catches in their first four years in the league. The Rison-WR Michael Haynes tandem netted 21 touchdowns to lead the NFL for the second straight year (23 in 91). The team finished the season with a 6 10 record as Rison, DB Deion Sanders, LB Jessie Tuggle and special teams standout Elbert Shelley were named to the Pro Bowl. 295 COMM. RELATIONS ADMINISTRATION COACHES 2009 REVIEW RECORDS & RESULTS
RECORDS & RESULTS 2009 REVIEW COACHES ADMINISTRATION COMM. RELATIONS 1993 Led by Pro Bowlers WR Andre Rison, QB Bobby Hebert, S Elbert Shelley and PK Norm Johnson, Atlanta s offense scored over 300 points for the fourth consecutive season. Rison scored a club record 15 TDs and set a new standard for the most receptions in his first five seasons with 394. Hebert finished third in the NFL with a career-high 24 touchdown passes and had the NFL s longest play of the year, a 98-yard strike to WR Michael Haynes. Johnson nearly had a perfect season, connecting on 26 of 27 field goals (.963), while stretching his consecutive FG streak to 26 in-a-row, the second best mark in NFL history. Pro Bowler CB Deion Sanders continued to be an impact player, picking off seven passes while shutting down the league s top receivers. Third-year RB Erric Pegram made a name for himself, rushing for 1,185 yards, the fourth highest total in 93 as the team ended the year for a second straight season at 6 10. 1994 June Jones was named the Falcons 10 th head coach on January 24 replacing Jerry Glanville who resigned following the 1993 season. The 94 season was trademarked by the way the team started and ended each game. The Falcons came out ready to play in the first quarters, rolling up a combined 93 61 advantage in those first 15 minutes of play. Atlanta also had the lead in 14 of the 16 games they played in and led 12 of those 16 games, heading into the fourth quarter only to finish the year with a 7 9 record. In 11 of the 16 games, the Falcons had the lead at the two-minute warning only to falter in the end. Wide receiver Terance Mathis closes out a brilliant season with a club record 111 receptions, the fourth highest total of all-time. His 1,342 receiving yards ranks second on the Atlanta s all-time charts. For his efforts, he is voted to the 95 Pro Bowl along with teammates LB Jessie Tuggle and S Elbert Shelley. 1995 In what would be Atlanta s first playoff season since 1991, the Falcons ended the regular season with a 9 7 mark, while establishing some club and league records along the way. K Morten Andersen, who was signed as a free agent from New Orleans before training camp, sets an NFL- mark with three field goals from beyond 50 yards in one game. Shots from 55, 55 and 51 capped a 19 14 victory over Andersen s former Saints teammates to give Atlanta their first sweep of New Orleans since 1985. Needing a win to make the playoffs, the Falcons pull off the improbable, defeating the defending World Champion 49ers, 28 27, in front of a frenzied crowd at the Georgia Dome on Christmas Eve. Quarteback Bobby Hebert connects with WR Terance Mathis // YEAR BY YEAR on two touchdowns, including the game-winner, as Mathis makes an incredible run to the end zone with 1:45 remaining. Atlanta establishes an NFL record by having four players each gain 1,000 yards, including WRs Eric Metcalf (1,189), Terance Mathis (1,039), Bert Emanuel (1,039) and RB Craig Heyward (1,083). Quarterback Jeff George, meanwhile, became only the 18 th quarterback in league history to have over 4,000 yards passing in a season by finishing with 4,143 yards. LB Jessie Tuggle, S Elbert Shelley, DE Chris Doleman, Andersen and Hayward were named to the Pro Bowl. 1996 Only one season after earning a wild-card berth, Atlanta tied a club-mark for most losses and finished with the third-poorest winning percentage (.188) in team history with a 3 13 mark. A 31 15 victory over the Saints on December 8 snapped a 10-game road losing streak and provided the team with its first NFC West win outside the Georgia Dome since an overtime win in New Orleans on September 17, 1995. In a lone bright spot, RB Jamal Anderson became the seventh Falcons player in club history to rush for over 1,000 yards in a season, gaining 1,055 on the year. With Anderson s accomplishment, the Falcons were the only NFL team to have three different players in the past four years to gain 1,000 yards. On December 23, head coach June Jones was dismissed from the team. 1997 On January 3, Dan Reeves is named the 11 th head coach in franchise history as he comes to Atlanta as Executive Vice President of Football Operations/ Head Coach. After a difficult 1 7 start, the Falcons went 6 2 in their final eight games to finish 7 9, marking one of the best second-half comebacks in NFL history. QB Chris Chandler came on strong and ranked second in the NFL in QB rating (95.1) on his way to his first Pro Bowl appearance, joining teammate LB Jessie Tuggle. The real story of the season, however, was the tremendous play of the defensive line, which established a club record 55 sacks to rank 2 nd in the NFL. DE Chuck Smith (12.0 sacks) and DT Travis Hall (10.5 sacks) led the charge. Team owner and founder Rankin M. Smith passed away on October 26 from heart complications just hours before the Falcons were to play a nationally televised game at Carolina. The 72-year old was remembered at a Tuesday memorial service as a quiet, behind-the-scenes pioneer who helped bring professional sports, and other major contributions, to his beloved city of Atlanta. 1998 The Falcons, who jumped from a 7 9 finish in 1997 to a franchise record 14 2 in 1998, specialized in quick 296 A TLANTAFALCONS.COM
// YEAR BY YEAR turnovers. In one of the more heart felt stories of the year, head coach Dan Reeves underwent quadruple bypass surgery and a mere five weeks later coached his team to a 30 27 overtime victory against Minnesota to capture the NFC Championship that matched the Falcons against the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XXXIII in Miami. The team accomplished many firsts in 1998 with the first-ever 8 0 home mark, best overall record at 14 2, most points in a season with 442 that included a best 53 touchdowns and a league-high 44 takeaways. Atlanta was paced by RB Jamal Anderson, who set a team record with 1,846 yards rushing, including an NFL high 12 100-yard games. The Falcons dubbed themselves the Dirty Birds and Anderson created a touchdown dance to fit the name. The dance, which even consisted of flapping arms to act like wings, was introduced when TE O.J. Santiago celebrated his two-touchdown effort following a 41 10 victory at New England in early November. The fever it generated captivated a national audience as well as brought the Falcons to the front of the Atlanta sports scene. Dan Reeves joining Anderson on stage for a rendition of the Dirty Bird following the NFC Championship trophy presentation was a lasting highlight of the team s journey to the Super Bowl. Reeves, who was named NFL Coach of the Year, guided his Falcons to just the second NFC West title in the 33-year history of the franchise. QB Chris Chandler, CB Ray Buchanan, S Eugene Robinson, LB Jessie Tuggle and T Bob Whitfield joined Anderson in representing the Falcons in the Pro Bowl. 1999 The Atlanta Falcons entered the 1999 season with the hopes of defending their 1998 NFC Championship crown and becoming the first NFL team ever to reach the Super Bowl in its own stadium. The Georgia Dome was the site of Super Bowl XXXIV. Unfortunately the setbacks of an 0 4 start led the Falcons to a disappointing 5 11 finish. In Week 2 against the Dallas Cowboys in a Monday Night Football matchup at Texas Stadium, RB Jamal Anderson was lost for the season with a knee injury. The Falcons did reach some milestones through the season. WR Ternace Mathis became the club s alltime leader in receptions with a 12-catch, 166-yard performance in a Monday Night Football game at Pittsburgh. LB Jessie Tuggle had his 12 th -straight 100-tackle season after finishing with a teamleading 122 total tackles. 2000 After a 2 1 start that included victories over two key NFC West opponents, the Falcons season took a turn for the worse with a 4 12 final record. The Falcons suffered several key injuries including A TLANTAFALCONS.COM a season-ending foot injury to LB Keith Brooking after five games and LB Jessie Tuggle in the eighth game of the season. RB Jamal Anderson returned to action following a 1999 season-ending knee injury, starting all 16 games and finishing with his fourth 1,000-yard season with 1,024 yards. K Morten Andersen began the season with a five-field goal game vs. San Francisco and then ended the year with five field goals in the season-finale vs. Kansas City. In the process he became the Falcons all-time leader in both field goals and points. Wide receiver Ternace Mathis became the club s all-time leader in receiving yards to pass WR Alfred Jenkins in that category. Rookie CB Darrick Vaughn, the Falcons seventh round draft choice, led the NFL with a 27.7 average and three kickoff returns for a touchdown. That average and the three touchdowns are both Falcons single-season high marks. 2001 The 2001 Atlanta Falcons entered Week 15 with a matchup at Miami with a 7 7 record and still alive in the NFC playoff race. Three controversial calls by the officials and two goal line stands by the Dolphins defense ended the Falcons postseason hopes with a 21 14 defeat. The next week the Falcons traveled to St. Louis and lost 31 13 to finish the year with a disappointing 7 9 record. Even with two overtime losses to San Francisco when the Falcons squandered fourth quarter leads, Atlanta jumped to a 6 4 record before winning just one of their remaining six games. Included in the wins was a big 23 20 victory over the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field, highlighted by a 352-passing effort by QB Chris Chandler. Long after memories of the disappointing 2001 season end, the year will be remembered for the nucleus of young players that emerged and will hopefully lead the Falcons to a successful future. Among the group of young players that stood out were Pro Bowl LB Keith Brooking, who had 10 or more tackles in 11 of the team s 16 games, and first-round draft pick QB Michael Vick. Vick had the normal growing pains of any rookie quarterback, but in the Miami game Vick, who played following an elbow injury to Chandler, showed flashes of his potential, completing 11 of 20 passes for 214 yards with a touchdown and gaining 63 yards rushing on five carries. Among his highlights were a 52-yard pass to WR Brian Finneran and a 23-yard scramble for a first down on a 4 th and 15 play. A renewed Chandler led the team to a 6 4 record in games where he started and finished, and DE Patrick Kerney had a breakout year with a team-leading 12.0 sacks. The day before the draft, the Falcons obtained the first pick in a trade with San Diego and used the pick on Vick, who is expected to be the quarterback of the future. In another historical move, team President Taylor 297 COMM. RELATIONS ADMINISTRATION COACHES 2009 REVIEW RECORDS & RESULTS
RECORDS & RESULTS 2009 REVIEW COACHES ADMINISTRATION COMM. RELATIONS Smith agreed to sell the team to local businessman Arthur Blank, who was approved by the NFL owners the day before the Super Bowl. A week before the final preseason game the end of an era came upon the Falcons when LB Jessie Tuggle retired following 14 seasons in Atlanta. The example he set helped his replacement Brooking, who was moved from the weakside linebacker spot to the middle, spring to the top of the middle linebacker lists in the NFL with a career-high 167 tackles. 2002 The Atlanta Falcons began the Arthur Blank era with a 9 6 1 record and a berth in the playoffs as a Wild Card participant. Blank helped resurrect the excitement in the Georgia Dome with added value to the fans with increased tailgating, parking and entertainment. The fans responded with every game being sold out. After beginning the year with a 1 3 record, head coach Dan Reeves and QB Michael Vick led the Falcons to an NFL-best eight-game unbeaten streak (7 0 1). The Falcons set records and showcased numerous highlights during that stretch. In a game at Pittsburgh, the Falcons rallied from a 34 17 deficit with just over eight minutes to play to tie the game at 34 34. The Falcons also shutout Carolina two times with a 30 0 victory at the Dome and a 41 0 win in Charlotte. The Falcons finished the season with a team-record 23 rushing touchdowns and a franchise-best eight games with 30 or more points. After finishing 30 th in rushing in 1999, 28 th in 2000 and 16 th in 2001, the Falcons improved to 4 th in the NFL in 2002. On the defensive side of the ball, new defensive coordinator Wade Phillips made a switch to a 3 4 defensive alignment that helped the team finish third in interceptions with 24, second in takeaways with 39 and fourth in sacks with 47. In his first season as a starter, Vick earned a Pro Bowl berth to become just the sixth quarterback to be voted to the Pro Bowl in his first year as a starter. Vick rushed for 173 yards in an overtime win at Minnesota, the highest single-game rushing total for an NFL quarterback ever. Vick also had the longest run ever by a Falcons quarterback with a 46-yard gamewinning touchdown in overtime against the Vikings. LB Keith Brooking earned his second consecutive Pro Bowl berth after setting a career-high with 212 total tackles. In the postseason, the Falcons became the first team ever to defeat the Green Bay Packers in the postseason at Lambeau Field with a 27 7 win to advance to the second round of the NFC playoffs. The Falcons season came to an end the next week with a 20 6 loss against the Philadelphia Eagles at Veterans Stadium in an NFC Divisional playoff game. 2003 One season removed from a playoff berth and a // YEAR BY YEAR historical win over Green Bay in the playoffs, the 2003 Falcons fell to 5 11. Injuries and a lack of consistency punctuated the Falcons 2003 season. QB Michael Vick, who played a large role in the Falcons push for the playoffs in 2002, suffered a broken right leg in the second preseason game against Baltimore and did not return until the 11 th game of the regular season in a relief appearance at Houston. Strong first half efforts would give way to second half heartbreak as the Falcons went 2 6 in the eight games which they led at the half. The Falcons defeated the Dallas Cowboys in the regular season opener, 27 13, before losing their next seven contests. They did not win again until the ninth game of the season when they went on the road and defeated the New York Giants 27 7. The victory gave Falcons head coach Dan Reeves the 200 th win of his career. One year after setting the NFL single-game record for most yards rushing by a quarterback, Vick went out and rushed for a 141 yards in his first start of the season against the Panthers. His rushing performance marked the third-highest single game rushing total by a quarterback in NFL history. Three days after the victory against the Panthers, Reeves, who coached the Falcons for seven seasons, was released from his contract on December 10. Defensive coordinator Wade Phillips took over as interim coach for the final three games. In the days leading up to the Buccaneers game in Week 16, Rich McKay, who for the previous eight seasons was general manager of the Buccaneers, was named president and general manager of the Falcons on December 15. Less than two weeks after the conclusion of the season, Jim Mora was named head coach on January 9, 2004. LB Keith Brooking and TE Alge Crumpler were named to the Pro Bowl, with Crumpler earning a starting nod on the NFC squad. 2004 First year Head Coach Jim Mora s fiery, motivating style of coaching becomes contagious and resonates with his team as the Falcons match the best start ever in team history at 4 0 on their way to a 6 2 halfway record. The aggressive approach on both offense and defense pays off and masks the potential growing pains of new offensive and defensive systems being implemented. The birds clinch just their third division title in team history in high fashion in a 35 10 rout of the Oakland Raiders in Week 14 as RB T.J. Duckett establishes a new team record with four rushing touchdowns. The club finishes the regular season with an 11 5 record, a first round playoff bye, and sets numerous milestones, including leading the NFL in rushing for the first time ever with a team record 2,672 yards and a club-best a 5.1 per carry average, as well as 298 A TLANTAFALCONS.COM
// YEAR BY YEAR a League-high 48 sacks, which also is the first time that feat has been accomplished. The Falcons defense soars 18 spots from the last in the League in 2003 to 14 th in total defense and scoring defense under new architect Ed Donatell. Atlanta blasts St. Louis 47 17 in the Divisional Playoff game at the Georgia Dome in one of the most dominant rushing performances in postseason history, racking up 327 yards rushing, the fourth-highest total ever. The Falcons dream of a Super Bowl trip is ended the following week in a 27 10 defeat at Philadelphia in the NFC Championship Game, the second NFC Title appearance in team history. Mora garners votes for NFL Coach of the Year and becomes just the 11th head coach in NFL history to capture a Division title in his first season. QB Michael Vick, TE Alge Crumpler, LB Keith Brooking, DE Patrick Kerney and returner Allen Rossum go to the Pro Bowl, the most Falcons players since 1998 Super Bowl season. 2005 The Falcons soar to a 6 2 first half record despite numerous injuries on defense that force rookies into the starting lineup and a shuffling of linebacker positions after five games. Atlanta records a perfect 3 0 mark on Monday Night Football (and 4 1 record in nationally-televised games). The growing pains catch up to the Falcons in the second half of the season though and the team finishes 8 8. Atlanta s offense again leads the NFL in rushing yards with 2,546 yards and average at 4.8. RB Warrick Dunn enjoys a career year with a career-high 1,416 rushing yards en route to earning his Pro Bowl since 2000. TE Alge Crumpler leads the team in receptions with a career best 65 catches for a career-high 877 receiving yards. QB Michael Vick passes for 2,412 yards with 15 touchdowns and rushes for 597 yards and six scores. LB Keith Brooking leads the club again in tackles with 150 as he moves over to MLB after a season-ending Achilles injury to Edgerton Hartwell in Week 5 forces a chain reaction of wholesale changes in the linebacker department. Rookies such as LB Michael Boley and DL Jonathon Babineuax, Chauncey Davis and Darrell Shropshire are pressed into major duty due to injuries. DT Rod Coleman leads all interior linemen with 10.5 sacks. Dunn, Crumpler, Vick, Brooking, Coleman and CB DeAngelo Hall are voted to the Pro Bowl by their peers and are the most Pro Bowlers since the 1998 Super Bowl season. 2006 Similiar to the second half of 2005, the Falcons start out 5 2 in first half of play only to limp to 2 7 down the stretch. Head Coach Jim Mora is dismissed from his contract after three years following the 7 9 season. The Falcons lead the NFL in rushing again A TLANTAFALCONS.COM for the third straight year with a franchise record 2,939 yards, which is the ninth-highest total in NFL history. Michael Vick becomes the first quarterback in League history to rush for over 1,000 yards with 1,039. With RB Warrick Dunn s 1,140 rushing yards, Vick and Dunn become only the fourth set of backfield teammates to both eclipse the century mark in the same season in NFL history. Vick also adds a career-high 20 touchdown passes. TE Alge Crumpler is named to his fourth straight Pro Bowl as he leads the team in receiving and adds a career-high eight touchdowns. CB DeAngelo Hall also is voted to the Pro Bowl but first year as a starter. K Morten Andersen becomes the NFL s all-time leading scorer and all-time leader in career field goals. 2007 The Falcons placed a franchise record 16 players on injured reserve which included seven starters over the course of the season. Atlanta also witnessed its starting quarterback be suspended by the NFL prior to the start of the year while its Head Coach Bobby Petrino left the team following Week 14. With a 4-12 record, the Falcons did see some positive results however. Wide receiver Roddy White became the Falcons first 1,000-yard receiver since 1999 and running back Warrick Dunn became the 22nd player in league history to amass 10,000 career rushing yards. Kicker Morten Andersen and quarterback Chris Redman each received NFC Player of the Week accolades. 2008 In just one season, the Atlanta Falcons rebounded from four wins in 2007 to an 11-5 regular season record and the team s first playoff berth since 2004. The 08 campaign was a year of firsts as first year Head Coach Mike Smith and first year quarterback Matt Ryan became the first rookie head coach and quarterback duo to compete in a playoff contest since 1945 when the Cleveland Rams accomplished the feat. In Smith s stellar first season, he also became only the fourth Head Coach in franchise history to record 11 or more victories in a single year en route to Associated Press Coach of the Year honors. The distinction marked only the second occasion a Falcons coach earned the award in franchise history. The Falcons witnessed an entire team effort in the turnaround as an organization with a fresh look that took the NFL by storm, winning five of their last six games on the way to a second place finish in the NFC South Division. Atlanta garnerned two Pro Bowl selections in running back Michael Turner and wide receiver Roddy White who also made their first visits to the league s all-star game. Quarterback Matt Ryan earned Associated Press Offensive Rookie of the Year honors and was named 299 COMM. RELATIONS ADMINISTRATION COACHES 2009 REVIEW RECORDS & RESULTS
RECORDS & RESULTS 2009 REVIEW COACHES ADMINISTRATION COMM. RELATIONS NFC Rookie of the Month (October), a first in both categories in team history. The Falcons also finished the regular season with five NFC Player of the Week accolades. Turner earned the honor on three occasions, while Ryan was named NFC Offensive Player of the Week after his performance against the Oakland Raiders in Week 9 and wide receiver Harry Douglas was named NFC Special Teams Player of the Week after returning a punt 61 yards against Carolina in Week 12. In his first season with the Falcons, Turner was tied for second in the final NFL MVP voting as he finished second in the league in rushing (1,699 yards) while topping the 1,000- yard plateau for the first time in his career. Turner also posted 17 rushing touchdowns, which set a new franchise record. White also logged a career year as he set a new franchise record with 1,382 receiving yards in a single-season while becoming the first wide receiver in team history to post back-to-back 1,200-yard campaigns. Defensively, John Abraham set a new team record and a personal best with 16.5 sacks, topping the old record of 16.0 held by Joel Williams, which was set in 1980. At the conclusion of the year, Coach Smith (Coach of the Year), Matt Ryan (Rookie of the Year) and General Manager Thomas Dimitroff (Executive of the Year) all earned honors from Sporting News Magazine, becoming the first trio in the publication s 132-year history to sweep the awards. // YEAR BY YEAR 2009 The Falcons concluded the 2009 campaign with a 9-7 record and back to back winning seasons for the first time in the franchise s 44-year history, which includes an 11-5 record in 2008. Atlanta ended the season with three consecutive victories and a series sweep over NFC South Division rival Tampa Bay. After two seasons, Falcons Head Coach Mike Smith compiled a coaching record of 20-12 (.625), which is the second-best winning percentage for an Atlanta head coach in their first two seasons with the team. He sits behind Dan Reeves who totaled a 21-11 mark (.656) from 1997-98. As a starter, quarterback Matt Ryan finished the 2009 campaign with a 6-0 home record and after two seasons is 13-1 starting under center. The 2009 season featured many team and individual accomplishments, but none as impressive as wide receiver Roddy White who finished the season with 85 receptions for 1,153 yards and a career-high 11 touchdowns. He became only the second receiver in franchise history to register three consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons. Tight end Tony Gonzalez, who led all tight ends in NFL history at seasons end in receptions (999), yards (11,807) and touchdowns (82), became the 21st player in NFL history to surpass 11,000 career receiving yards. Among other accomplishments, Gonzalez set the Falcons single-season reception record for tight ends with 83. Defensively, Jonathan Babineaux led the team with a career-high six sacks. Cornerback Brent Grimes finished the year with a team-leading six interceptions and safety Thomas DeCoud was named NFC Defensive Player of the Week (6) for his performance against the Chicago Bears. 300 A TLANTAFALCONS.COM
// HISTORICAL CALENDAR THE START June 30, 1965 The NFL awards a franchise to 41-year-old Rankin M. Smith, Executive Vice President of Life Insurance Company of Georgia, for $8.5 million. At the time, there were 14 NFL franchises in existence, the 15th in the NFL prior to the merger of the leagues. THE NICKNAME Aug. 29, 1965 Falcons was suggested by many, with reasons from a school teacher from Griffin, Georgia singled out. Miss Julia Elliott said: the Falcon is proud and dignified, with great courage and fight. It never drops its prey. It is deadly and has a great sporting tradition. A logo was designed by Wayland Moore Studios. YOU NEED Sept. 9, 1965 Halfback Bob Paremore and split end Gary Barnes, who had been in the NFL with the Cardinals and Bears, were the first two players to sign with the Falcons. THE FIRST DRAFT Nov. 27, 1965 With the first pick in the entire draft, the Falcons chose Outland Trophy winning linebacker Tommy Nobis from the University of Texas. After being drafted also by Houston of the AFL, he chose the Falcons on Dec. 14 and signed a contract. As the Falcons got two choices in each of the first five rounds, QB Randy Johnson of Texas A&I was the other first round pick by Atlanta. All told, the Falcons gained 25 players in the 20-round draft, the last one being defensive back Bob Riggle from Penn State. THE HEAD COACH Jan. 26, 1966 Norb Hecker, 39, left the Green Bay staff of Vince Lombardi to accept the job as the Falcons first Head Coach. He was with Lombardi seven years as they won three world titles and four conference titles. Gene Cronin, the Director of Player Personnel, deserves the distinction of being the first member of the Falcon organization named by Mr. Smith. HEAD FOR THE MOUNTAINS March 26, 1966 A YMCA Camp, Blue Ridge Assembly on Black Mountain, N.C. (near Asheville) is selected as the first summer training camp home. A TLANTAFALCONS.COM THE MERGER OCCURS June 8, 1966 The AFL and NFL agree to merge with a Championship Game to be played. The teams would not actually begin playing regular season games until 1970. Atlanta was assigned to the NFL s Western Conference, Coastal Division, with the Los Angeles Rams, Baltimore Colts and San Francisco 49ers. THE FIRST PRACTICE July 2, 1966 Training camp opened with some 130 players checking in for physicals and their chance to be an NFL player. One of the camp s visitors was Rev. Billy Graham, who lived just a few miles from the Blue Ridge Assembly. All told, 66 rookies reported with the vets checking in on July 9. THE FIRST GAME Aug. 1, 1966 Before 26,072 at Atlanta Stadium, Philadelphia claims a 9-7 win over the Falcons. Trivia fans might want to note that QB Dennis Claridge passed one yard to Tom Wilson for the Falcons first ever touchdown (second quarter) to provide a 7-6 halftime lead. THIS GAME IS FOR REAL Sept. 11, 1966 The Los Angeles Rams handed the Falcons a 19-14 loss before 54,418 at Atlanta Stadium. The Rams of George Allen were led by QB Roman Gabriel (294 yards). After a 16-0 lead, Atlanta rallied to make it 16-14 before a third quarter Rams field goal ended the scoring. Pregame ceremonies included Commissioner Pete Rozelle, Governor Carl Sanders, and Mayor Ivan Allen. Falcons running back Ernie Wheelwright ran for 91 yards and caught a pass for 25 more to lead the offense. THE FIRST POINTS Sept. 11, 1966 It was the second quarter when QB Randy Johnson hit Gary Barnes for a 53-yard touchdown to officially score the first points for the Atlanta Falcons. THE FIRST OFFICIAL WIN Nov. 30, 1966 After nine-straight losses, the Falcons claimed one for the W column at Yankee Stadium (62,746), 27-16. Former Giant Ernie Wheelwright scored two TD s receiving and ran for 51 more yards as QB Randy Johnson hit for a trio of TD s. 301 COMM. RELATIONS ADMINISTRATION COACHES 2009 REVIEW RECORDS & RESULTS
RECORDS & RESULTS 2009 REVIEW COACHES ADMINISTRATION COMM. RELATIONS TYING AN NFL RECORD WITH FIRST HOME WIN Dec. 11, 1966 The Falcons tied an NFL record for an expansion team (Minnesota) by winning a third game. This victim was the St. Louis Cardinals, 16-10, before 57,169. The second win had been at Minnesota with Bobby Riggle returning an interception 62 yards for a touchdown. ATLANTA S FIRST ALL-PRO Dec. 15, 1967 Linebacker Tommy Nobis was named to the AP All- Pro team, a Falcons first. This honor followed his Rookie of the Year performance in 1966 (Bert Bell Award and Pro Football Writers Association). A NEW REGIME Oct. 1, 1968 Norm Van Brocklin, formerly head coach of the Vikings, is named to replace Norb Hecker after three games of the season. Two weeks later, his Falcons beat New York, 24-21, in the first meeting between Van Brocklin and his former QB, Fran Tarkenton. STARTING ON THE RIGHT FOOT Sept. 21, 1969 Falcons win first season opener ever, beating 49ers, 24 12, before home fans. Rookie Tight End Jim Mitchell scored two TD s and club set team record with 229 yards rushing. TRIPLE PLAY Dec. 7, 1969 Harmon Wages had a game to remember in this 45 17 rout of the Saints. The second year back threw for a TD in the first quarter (16 yards to Flatley), then caught a pass for a TD in the second quarter (88 yards), and then ran for a TD in the fourth quarter (66 yards). A PASSING FEAT Sept. 27, 1970 In Week Two at Green Bay, QB Bob Berry sets club records with the Franchise s first 300-yard passing game (28 44 for 302), but Packers rally for 27 24 win. CANNONBALL EXPLODES Oct. 4, 1970 Jim Cannonball Butler, just one week after Berry s passing record, sets a new club rushing record in the home opener against the 49ers. The seven-year veteran set two club records that day. One was for most yards (127 on 17 carries), the other was for most fumbles (4). // HISTORICAL CALENDAR NATIONAL TV! Nov. 30, 1970 Over 30 million Monday Night TV viewers saw their first game from Atlanta as the Miami Dolphins came to town with ABC-TV. Larry Csonka (108) and Mercury Morris (76) ran away with a 20 7 Miami victory. A HALL OF FAMER Feb. 23, 1971 Coach Norm Van Brocklin is elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. CATCH THIS ACT Oct. 3 and Dec. 19, 1971 Rookie sensation Ken Burrow made more yardage receiving in one game than any NFC receiver, and he wrote his name in the club record book TWICE. He had 190 yards at Detroit and duplicated that feat at New Orleans. All of this was done playing the final 11 games with a broken wrist. A WINNING SEASON Dec. 19, 1971 In dramatic fashion with 40 seconds left, the Falcons score to beat New Orleans, 24 20, to finish the season at 7 6 1, thus giving them the first winning season in club history. A COAST TO COAST WIN Nov. 22, 1971 Falcons win their first Nationally televised game with a 28 21 triumph over Green Bay in Atlanta on Monday Night Football. UNOFFICIAL 1,000 Dec. 17, 1972 Dave Hampton technically was the club s first 1,000- yard rusher. At Kansas City, the veteran running back scampered around end for his 1,000 th yard. However, his next carry was a six-yard loss and his final carry a one-yard gain. Thus, he ended at 995, never officially getting his name in the Falcon record book. LIGHTING UP SCOREBOARD Sept. 16, 1973 Opening against New Orleans, Falcons smash 35 team records en route to 62 7 victory. HARD LUCK HAMPTON AND FALCONS 1973 Season After missing by five yards for a 1,000-yard season in 1972, Dave Hampton comes even closer in 1973. 302 A TLANTAFALCONS.COM
// HISTORICAL CALENDAR Needing 87 yards in the finale, he gets just 84 and finishes three yards shy of the magic number. The Falcons are equally close, finishing 9 5 for their most wins and best record ever, but losing out for the playoffs by one game. TRADING FOR THE FUTURE Jan. 27, 1975 In order to obtain the rights to the number one pick in the college draft, the Falcons send offensive tackle George Kunz and a draft choice to Baltimore. Falcons also got a 6 th round pick (and took LB Fulton Kuykendall). THE FUTURE IS HERE Jan. 28, 1975 With that top choice, the Falcons select all-america QB Steve Bartkowski from California. HOORAY FOR HAMPTON Dec. 21, 1975 RB Dave Hampton becomes first Falcon to gain 1,000 yards rushing (1,002) with 61 in final game vs. Green Bay. FRONT OFFICE MOVES Feb. 1 3, 1977 Former NFL quarterback Eddie LeBaron is named General Manager, with Rankin M. Smith, Jr. assuming the title of President. Two days later, Leeman Bennett, a Rams assistant becomes fifth Head Coach in club history. ZERO HOUR Nov. 27, 1977 In shutout of Bucs, Falcons set club record by allowing just 78 total yards. It is also the second 0 performance by the defense on the season, also a club first. NFL RECORD! 1977 Defense With 35 7 final win over Saints, Falcons establish new NFL modern day record for 14-game season by allowing just 129 points all year as club finishes 7 7. JUNE JONES, GRITZ BLITZ GO NATIONAL Oct. 30, 1978 In their first national TV game in four years, the Falcons lose Bartkowski in 2 nd quarter. Enter June Jones, kicker Tim Mazzetti s five field goals, and the hard hitting Gritz Blitz defense and you have a 15 7 upset of the Rams. A TLANTAFALCONS.COM BIG BEN RIGHT Nov. 12, 1978 With 2:23 remaining the Falcons were trailing 17 6 at their own 20-yard line at New Orleans. An 80-yard march made it 17 13 with 59 seconds left. With 19 seconds left, Bartkowski threw 57 yards into a cluster where Alfred Jackson caught a pass deflected by Wallace Francis and the Falcons clock struck victory. CLINCHING A PLAYOFF BERTH THE EASY WAY Dec. 15, 1978 When Redskins lose to Bears, Falcons are ensured their first playoff berth. The next day, L.A. beat Green Bay to give the Falcons a home field game. DEALING THE WILD CARD Dec. 24, 1978 With two TD s in the final eight minutes, the Falcons overcame the rainy weather to win their Playoff game over the Eagles, 14 13. The Christmas Eve present to the fans was not complete until the Eagles missed a 34-yard FG in the final seconds. Merry Christmas! VALIANT UNDERDOGS Dec. 30, 1978 As 14-point underdogs in Texas Stadium, the Falcons came ready to win. They jumped out to a 20 13 halftime lead and knocked QB Roger Staubach unconscious just before the half. The home-team Cowboys regained the lead 27 20 as the Falcons marched for a tying score. With 4 th -and-1 at the Cowboy 32, the Falcons came up inches short and never got the ball back. WILIAM WHO? Sept. 2, 1979 Third-round draft choice William Andrews made his NFL debut memorable with a 167-yard effort in a 40 34 overtime win at the Superdome. Each team gained over 500 yards offense before Falcons won with special teams interception TD. ADDING UP THE TOTALS Dec. 16, 1979 Records were broken for the season by William Andrews with 1,023 yards, by Wallace Francis with 74 catches for 1,013 yards and by Steve Bartkowski with 2,502 yards (203 379). THE BIGGER THEY ARE, THE HARDER THE FALL Sept. 28 Oct. 5, 1980 Undefeated opponents fall on successive weekends to the Falcons. First, the 49ers are upset 20 17 at 303 COMM. RELATIONS ADMINISTRATION COACHES 2009 REVIEW RECORDS & RESULTS
RECORDS & RESULTS 2009 REVIEW COACHES ADMINISTRATION COMM. RELATIONS Candlestick, then with a record breaking 34-point first half, the Lions fall, 43 28. HOW THE WEST WAS WON Dec. 14, 1980 Steve Bartkowski s 28 th, 29 th and 30 th TD passes, William Andrews, sixth 100-yard game and a rugged defense led to a 35 10 rout of the 49ers and the Falcons had earned their first-ever NFC Western Division Title. The win was the Falcons ninth straight and 12 th of the season, both club bests. ALOHA Feb. 1, 1981 Record six Falcons selected to Pro Bowl as Bartkowski passes for new high 178 yards (55 TD to Alfred Jenkins) to lead NFC to 21 7 win. SEEING IS BELIEVING Sept. 13, 1981 Green Bay Packer fans were enjoying a 17 0 lead after three quarters, but no one knew what was in store next. In a nine-minute span, the Falcons erupted for an NFL record tying 31 points (4 TD s, 1 FG) to win 31 17. GOOD NEWS, BAD NEWS Sept. 20, 1981 Atlanta fans were treated to a 34 17 thumping of the rival 49ers (soon to be Super Bowl bound) and the fastest start in club history, 3 0. The Falcons had now won 12 of the last 13 regular season games and 14 of last 15. Tommy Pridemore even set a club record with a 101-yard interception return. The bad news: three starters were lost in a five-minute span (LB Joel Williams, DE Jeff Merrow and T Warren Bryant). NUMBERS TO REMEMBER 1981 Season The team will look back on seven losses of five points or less as to why they were 7 9. The defeats were by 1, 2, 2, 3, 3, 3, and 5 points. Individually, records were set by Steve Bartkowski (3,830 yards), William Andrews (81 catches), Alfred Jenkins (1,358 yards, 13 TD s - 3 in one game), and Mick Luckhurst (114 points). A team high seven Falcons are picked for the Pro Bowl. NO MORE TICKETS May 17, 1982 Season ticket sales are halted after reaching a club record 55,144. // HISTORICAL CALENDAR BACK ON TRACK Nov. 21, 1982 In first game after strike, William Andrews gains 207 yards (119 rush, 88 rec.) and rookie Gerald Riggs scores his first two NFL TD s in 34 17 win over Rams. Falcons are 2 1 and thinking playoffs in short season. A NATIONAL CLINCH Dec. 19, 1982 With a powerful 17 7 win over the Super Bowl Champion 49ers before a national Sunday Night audience, the Falcons become third NFC team to clinch a playoff berth as they up record to 5 2. Atlanta controlled ball for 43 minutes to 17 for 49ers and ran the ball 57 times for 223 yards. INDOOR PLAYOFFS Jan. 9, 1983 Falcons journeyed to Minnesota s Metrodome for the opening round Playoff game and led 7 3 after one quarter and 21 16 after three quarters, but Vikings rallied for 30 24 win. In an oddity, all 24 Falcon points were scored by the special teams (blocked punt for TD, pass to Luckhurst for TD, and FG) and the defense (Glazebrook TD interception). A TWO TIME HERO Nov. 27, 1983 Kenny Johnson became only the 12 th player in NFL history to score two TD s in the same game with interceptions. His first one put the Falcons ahead of Green Bay, 41 34, but the Pack came back to force overtime. With another chance to be the hero, Johnson returned an interception 31 yards to win the game. STATS TO REMEMBER Dec. 18, 1983 William Andrews sets new club record with 331 rushes for 1,567 yards, Steve Bartkowski has third 3,000-yard season and sets mark with 63.4% completion rate and just 1.1% interception rate (5 in 432), while C Jeff Van Note starts his 200 th game as a Falcon. A NEW LEADER Sept. 2, 1984 Gerald Riggs gets the starting call and sets a then club records with 35 attempts for 202 yards in 36 28 opening win at the Superdome in New Orleans. A CATCHY RECORD Dec. 2, 1984 Receiver Alfred Jackson broke the club record with 11 catches for 193 yards vs. San Francisco in 35 17 loss. 304 A TLANTAFALCONS.COM
// HISTORICAL CALENDAR WHITE SHOES IS #1 Sept. 8, 1985 Billy White Shoes Johnson becomes the NFL s alltime career punt returner with 58 yards against Detroit. DETERMINED GERALD Dec. 22, 1985 With 158 yards in the 16 10 win over New Orleans, Gerald Riggs had a club best nine 100-yard games and a season record 1,719 yards to lead the entire NFC. A RECORD START Sept. 1986 The Falcons came out roaring with four straight wins over New Orleans, St. Louis, Dallas and Tampa Bay for the best-ever start in club history. The Cowboys game featured a 10-point rally with a game-winning FG with 20 seconds left and the Bucs game featured a 20 7 come-from-behind win with an overtime FG the decider. Gerald Riggs ran for a touchdown in each game to tie a club mark. The opener also featured the return of William Andrews after a twoyear layoff following knee surgery. A NOTE OF THANKS Dec. 14, 1986 It was Jeff Van Note day at Atlanta Fulton County Stadium as the 18-year veteran center was honored after 246 games. With all his family present, he was presented gifts, including a vintage 1957 Chevy (symbolic of his #57 and being a classic). Mick Luckhurst extended his club record to 117 consecutive PAT s. RIGGS RECORD BREAKING DAY DOOMS DALLAS Dec. 6, 1987 Gerald Riggs becomes the club s all-time leading rusher, surpassing William Andrews with a five-yard run in the third quarter at Dallas, giving the six-year pro from Arizona State a career total of 5,987 yards. Riggs finishes up the day with 119 yards to help the Falcons break a seven-game losing streak and knock the Cowboys out of the playoffs for the second straight year with a 21 10 victory in Texas Stadium. MAKING A CASE FOR HIMSELF Nov. 6 27, 1988 CB Scott Case laid claim to a spot in the Pro Bowl by being named NFC Defensive Player of the Month for November. Case intercepted five passes (two each vs. Packers and Raiders), registered a forced fumble and QB sack and made 20 tackles with nine passes defensed to help the Falcons to a 3 1 record during the month. A TLANTAFALCONS.COM SETTLE ING FOR A PLACE IN Dec. 18, 1988 RB John Settle put his name in the League s record book by becoming the first undrafted free agent in NFL history since the 1970 merger to gain 1,000 yards in a season as he rushed for 66 yards against the Saints to finish with 1,024. Paul Lowe (Chargers) and Clem Daniels (Raiders) of the AFL were the only other undrafted players to accomplish the feat (in 1963 and 1965). The former Appalachian State star was fourth in the NFL in total yards (1,594) and the club leader in receptions with 68 as he garnered his first trip to the Pro Bowl. A CASE OF A PERFECT 10 Dec. 18, 1988 CB Scott Case picked off his 10 th pass of the year against the Saints to finish atop the NFL charts. Case set a new Falcon record for interceptions in a season eclipsing the old mark of nine by Rolland Lawrence in 1975. The Oklahoma product stole seven passes in the second half of the season when the Falcons defense began to gel. PRIME TIME SCORES TWICE 1989 Deion Prime Time Sanders ends his lengthy Sept. contract holdout and reports to camp. He takes a Friday practice and Saturday walk through and puts on the football pads for the first time in seven months in the season opener vs. the Rams. In the first quarter, Deion returns his second career punt 68 yards for a touchdown. After hitting a home run for the New York Yankees earlier that week, it makes him the only modern day athlete to hit a HR and score a TD in the same week. GOOD JOB Dec. 1989 Guard Bill Fralic goes to a fourth consecutive Pro Bowl (the only guard in the NFL to do so). Rookie WR Shawn Collins leads all NFL rookies and sets a club rookie mark with 58 catches, while fellow rookie Deion Sanders gains post-season recognition by leading all rookie DB s with five thefts and gaining over 1,000 yards in returns. BACK IN BLACK March 20, 1990 The Falcons announce plans for their 25 th Anniv ersary season that include going back to their original black jerseys of 1966. In addition, black helmets are unveiled along with the 25 th anniversary logo patches for the uniforms. 305 COMM. RELATIONS ADMINISTRATION COACHES 2009 REVIEW RECORDS & RESULTS
RECORDS & RESULTS 2009 REVIEW COACHES ADMINISTRATION COMM. RELATIONS SHOWSTOPPING TRADE April 20, 1990 With the number one pick overall in the draft, the Falcons deal with the Colts for six-time Pro Bowl lineman, Chris Hinton, all-rookie WR Andre Rison, and next year s #1 pick. THAT S SUPER May 23, 1990 Falcons owner Rankin Smith leads the way in securing Super Bowl XXVIII for the city of Atlanta at the NFL Owners Meetings in Dallas. NATIONAL TV Oct. 28, 1990 With a national TV audience watching for the first time since 1984, the Falcons storm the Cincinnati Bengals, 38 17. The prime time viewers see Prime Time Deion Sanders set a club record with a 79-yard punt return TD in what was TNT s highest rated game of the season. TWO TIMER Jan. 30, 1991 CB Deion Sanders becomes both an Atlanta Brave and an Atlanta Falcon as he signs a baseball contract. He s the first to play two sports in the same city in 30 years. BIG BEN III RINGS Nov. 3, 1991 QB Billy Joe Tolliver, subbing for injured Chris Miller, lofted a 44-yard Big Ben pass caught in a crowd of seven players by WR Michael Haynes with nine seconds remaining. That gave the Falcons a 17 14 victory and season sweep over the San Francisco 49ers. San Francisco had just taken the lead with only 53 seconds left in the game. COMING UP 3 S Nov. 17, 1991 The Falcons go on a scoring spree in the second quarter and set a new club record for most points in one quarter with 33. WR Andre Rison scores 3 TD s (18 of the 33 points) with scores of 39, 12 and 15 yards. Rison also tied a club record for most points scored by an individual in a game. The 33 in a quarter were seventh highest ever in NFL history. WEST COAST SWEEP 1991 Atlanta recorded an NFL rarity by sweeping all western opponents either on the road or at home. The Falcons were 7 0, defeating the Rams and the // HISTORICAL CALENDAR 49ers twice, along with the Raiders, Chargers and the Seahawks. Atlanta was the only team in 1991 to defeat the 49ers in Candlestick Park. LONG FLIGHTS 1991 WR Michael Haynes led the entire NFL in average yardage per catch with a 22.4 rate (the NFL s highest since 1983). Mike had 50 receptions on the year for 1,122 yards and 11 touchdowns. His 11 touchdown catches averaged 44.9 yards per play as he recorded 12 receptions over 30 yards. PRINCE OF THIEVES 1991 CB s Deion Sanders and CB Tim McKyer both co-led the NFC in interceptions with six thefts apiece. THE TUGGLE STRUGGLE 1991 Season Falcon LB Jessie Tuggle, who had over 200 tackles the previous two seasons, had led the entire NFL in tackles, only to be forgotten when All-Pro teams and Pro Bowl selections were made. A 1992 Pro Bowl selection rejection, Tuggle was finally recognized as a first team All-Pro pick by Sports Illustrated. ROAD KILL 1991 Season The Falcons made club history as they swept through their NFC West road trips by defeating the Rams 31 14 in Anaheim, dropping New Orleans in overtime 23 20 at the Superdome, and by giving the 49ers their only loss in 1991 at Candlestick Park 39 34. This was the first time ever the birds had beaten all their division rivals on the road. ONE LAST TIME A FINAL GAME OUTDOORS Dec. 15, 1991 A sellout crowd witnessed the Falcons final home game of the 1991 season, as well as the birds final game in Fulton-County Stadium. Atlanta defeated the Seattle Seahawks 26 13, to run their home win streak to five straight. NFL thieves Tim McKyer and Deion Sanders combined on a 55-yard interception and lateral for a memorable touchdown. On hand with the 59,000 fans were entertainer MC Hammer, World Heavy Weight Champion Evander Holyfield, singer Wayne Newton, and popular country group Diamond Rio. PLAYOFF WIN Dec. 29, 1991 On the road at arch-rival New Orleans on ABC s 306 A TLANTAFALCONS.COM
// HISTORICAL CALENDAR in the fourth quarter, then CB Tim McKyer ended any suspense by intercepting a pass. THE FIRST GAME IN THE NEW DOME Aug. 23, 1992 A sold-out crowd (66,834 actual) and a national TV audience (ABC) on this Sunday afternoon saw the Falcons win the first-ever game in the new Georgia Dome, 20-10, over the Philadelphia Eagles. While Eagles Ian Howfield kicked a 33-yard field goal for the first points ever, the Falcons hooked up on their first play in the Dome for a 76-yard TD pass - Chris Miller to Michael Haynes. All fans received a special souvenir ticket and commemorative pin. THIS FIRST ONE COUNTS AS A W Sept. 6, 1992 In the regular season opener in the Dome, the Falcons scored on their first four possessions en route to a 20-17 win over the New York Jets before a sellout of 65,585. The first play saw rookie RB Tony Smith run for 32 yards and the first points came on a Norm Johnson 25-yard field goal. Just 17 seconds later, the Falcons scored the first TD in the Dome on a Chris Miller to Michael Haynes pass of 14 yards. Miller and Haynes hooked up again on an 11-yard play later in the first quarter as the Birds ran up a 17-0 lead. In the second period, Norm Johnson tied a club record with a 54-yard field goal. Miller s 72% passing (21-29) and 117 yards from the ground game led the Falcons to victory. DOUBLE DUTY Oct. 11, 1992 Deion Sanders pulled off yet another first by participating in two pro sports in the SAME DAY. On Saturday night, he played in the Braves playoff game in Pittsburgh, flew to Miami to play for the Falcons, then flew back to Pittsburgh for a game Sunday night. His presence helped the Falcons hold Dan Marino to a rare game without a TD pass, but the Falcons lost a 17-7 third quarter lead to bow, 21-17. OF PASSING INTEREST 1992 Season The Falcons led the NFL with a club record 33 TD passes and became the only team to have 30 or more TD s in both 91 and 92. The 336 pass completions were a club season best as were the 194 passing first downs. Andre Rison set a club record with 93 receptions and became the first player in NFL history to have 300 catches in their first four years in the League. The Rison-Haynes tandem netted 21 TD s to lead the NFL for a second straight year (23 in 91). Mike Pritchard s 77 catches were the 5 th most in A TLANTAFALCONS.COM club history, 9 th in the NFL. Wade Wilson finished with three consecutive 300-yard games (324, 342, 374) and 10 TD s in those three games and two consecutive 30-completion games. JUNE JONES NAMED HEAD COACH Jan. 24, 1994 June Jones is named Atlanta s 10 th head coach, replacing Jerry Glanville, who resigned following the 1993 season. FALCONS LOSE LONGTIME FRIEND Nov. 3, 1994 Whitey Zimmerman, the Falcons original equipment manager since 1966, passes away. Always a constant in the locker room, Zeke will always be remembered as former Falcon Tommy Nobis stated as, the Original Falcon. 111 CATCHES! Dec. 24, 1994 Terance Mathis closes out a brilliant season against Arizona, finishing the 94 campaign with a clubrecord 111 receptions, the fourth highest total of all-time. His 1,342 receiving yards ranks third on Atlanta s all-time charts. For his efforts, he is voted to 95 Pro Bowl. MIKE KENN RETIRES Dec. 24, 1994 Offensive lineman Mike Kenn finally closes out 17- year NFL career after being drafted by the Falcons in 1978. His last game against Arizona was his 251 st game played, ranking sixth on the NFL s all-time list. He played in five Pro Bowls and six playoff games. I 85 RIVALRY BEGINS Sept. 3, 1995 The new Carolina Panthers make NFL debut in Georgia Dome and jump out to a 10 0 lead. Atlanta then takes over, building a 20 13 lead on first drive of third quarter. But, Carolina hits on a 44-yard bomb with 26 seconds left to force overtime. The Falcons register their record-tying ninth QB sack of the game, forcing a fumble, and go on to quickly kick the game-winning 35-yard field goal. MORTEN SETS NFL RECORD Dec. 10, 1995 K Morten Andersen beats his old team again, but this time sets another NFL record in the process. Andersen establishes a new League mark with three field goals from beyond 50 yards in one game, including shots from 55, 55, and 51 yards, as Atlanta comes away with a 19 14 victory and sweeps the Saints for the first time since 1985. 307 COMM. RELATIONS ADMINISTRATION COACHES 2009 REVIEW RECORDS & RESULTS
RECORDS & RESULTS 2009 REVIEW COACHES ADMINISTRATION COMM. RELATIONS national TV, the Falcons came from 10 points down to win their first-ever Playoff game away from home. New Orleans native Michael Haynes scored two touchdowns, including the game winning 61-yarder PLAYOFF BOUND Dec. 24, 1995 Needing a win to make the playoffs, the Falcons pull off the improbable, defeating the world champion 49ers, 28 27, in front of a frenzied crowd at the Georgia Dome on Christmas eve. Bobby Hebert connects with Terance Mathis on two touchdowns, including the game-winner as Mathis makes an incredible run to the end zone and dives in with 1:45 remaining. Hebert was filling in for an injured Jeff George, who was knocked out with a concussion and neck injury just before halftime. Atlanta finishes 7 1 at home, the second best home record in the NFL in 95. FOUR 1,000 YARD 1995 Season The Falcons establish an NFL record by having four players each gain 1,000 yards, including receivers Eric Metcalf (1,189), Terance Mathis (1,039), Bert Emanuel (1,039), and running back Craig Heyward (1,083). Jeff George, meanwhile, became only the 18 th QB in League history to have over 4,000 yards passing (4,143). JAMAL ANDERSON HITS 1,000 Dec. 15, 1996 RB Jamal Anderson becomes the seventh Falcon in club history to rush for over 1,000 yards in a season. Anderson had previously signed a three-year contract extension, taking him through the 1999 season. JONES LET GO AS FALCONS COACH Dec. 23, 1996 Head Coach June Jones was fired with two years left on his contract following Atlanta s 3 13 season in 1996. During his three years (1994 96), he compiled a 19 29 record and led the Falcons to a playoff berth in 1995. REEVES BECOMES 11 TH FALCONS HEAD COACH Jan. 20, 1997 Dan Reeves becomes the 11 th head coach in franchise history, signing a 5-year contract as Exec. VP of Football Operations/Head Coach. He quickly assembles an impressive staff, including Rich Brooks as Asst. Head Coach/Defensive Coord. and Hall of Famer Art Shell as Offensive Line Coach. // HISTORICAL CALENDAR FALCONS OWNER RANKIN SMITH PASSES AWAY Oct. 26, 1997 Team owner and founder Rankin M. Smith passed away from heart complications just hours before the Falcons were to play a nationally-televised game at Carolina on TNT. The 72-year old was remembered at a Tuesday memorial service as a quiet, behindthe-scenes pioneer who helped bring professional sports, and other major contributions to his beloved city of Atlanta. FALCONS FINISH SEASON 6 2 UNDER REEVES 1997 Season After a difficult 1 7 start, the Falcons went 6 2 in their final eight games to finish 7 9, marking one of the best second-half comebacks in NFL history. QB Chris Chandler came on strong and ranked second in the NFL in QB rating (95.1) behind Steve Young en route to his first Pro Bowl appearance, joining teammate Jessie Tuggle. The real story of the season, however, was the tremendous play of the defensive line, which established a club-record 55 sacks to rank 2 nd in the NFL. Chuck Smith (12.0 sacks) and Travis Hall (10.5 sacks) led the charge. SCORING BARRAGE Oct. 4, 1998 The Falcons sweep the Carolina Panthers for the first time with a 51 23 rout and set an NFL record in the process. Atlanta scores three touchdowns in just 48 seconds, the fastest in NFL history since the 1970 merger. DIRTY BIRD TAKES FLIGHT Nov. 8, 1998 The Falcons defense forces a club record five New England turnovers and limits the Patriots to a new club record low of just 13 rushing yards but it s what happened on offense that creates a buzz. The Dirty Bird touchdown dance is born as originators, RB Jamal Anderson and TE O.J. Santiago, each score twice with Santiago celebrating with the new end zone dances. The fever the dance generates captivates a national following as well as brings the Falcons to the front of the Atlanta sports scene throughout the rest of the season. NFC WEST CHAMPS ARE CROWNED Dec. 20, 1998 Without their ailing coach (Dan Reeves, heart surgery), Atlanta wins a close 24 17 victory on the road against the Lions after trailing 14 0 at halftime to capture their 13 th win of the season and their second NFC Western Division title in team history. The historic win also helps the Falcons clinch a first-round 308 A TLANTAFALCONS.COM
// HISTORICAL CALENDAR EXCLAMATION POINT ON FINEST SEASON Dec. 27, 1998 By pounding the Dolphins of Dan Marino in the season-finale, 38 16, the Falcons win their club record ninth-straight game to finish the regular season with a club-best 14 2 record, including a first-ever 8 0 home record. The birds play inspired football after a pre-game visit from Head Coach Dan Reeves. The Bomb Squad defense also sets a new mark by allowing just 1,203 rushing yards by opponents on the season and finishes atop the NFL s charts with 44 total takeaways. Jamal Anderson registers his new team record and NFL-high 12th 100-yard rushing game with 103 yards. Anderson also breaks James Wilder s NFL record for carries in a season with 410 en route to the ninth highest rushing total ever in a single-season in league history with 1,846 yards. The team accomplishes many firsts, including most points in a season with 442 on the heels of a Falcon-best 53 touchdowns. DIRTY BIRDS DANCE TO NFC CHAMPIONSHIP Jan. 17, 1999 After a clutch 20 18 victory at home vs. San Francisco in the Divisional playoffs with Dan Reeves back on the sideline, Atlanta travels to 15 1 Minnesota for the right to go to Super Bowl XXXIII. The Falcons upset highly favored Minnesota in a hostile Metrodome Stadium, 30 27, in overtime in one of the most memorable Championship games ever in NFL history. Atlanta fights back from a 10 point 4 th quarter deficit by shutting down the NFL s record breaking Vikings offense with stingy defense and turns the table with an potent offense of their own. QB Chris Chandler throws a bullet to WR Terance Mathis in the end zone from 16-yards out with :49 seconds left to tie the score. Minnesota wins the coin toss in OT but Atlanta s defense is stout and holds the Vikes in the extra period on two occasions. K Morten Andersen delivers The Kick from 38-yards out with 11:52 elapsed in overtime to claim the club s first-ever NFC Title and a trip to Super Bowl XXXIII as a wild Dirty Bird celebration erupts in the city of Atlanta and the state of Georgia. FALCONS FALL SHORT IN FIRST SUPER BOWL Jan. 31, 1999 Almost all of the Falcons traditional factors for success in the 16-win season eluded them in a 34 19 loss to the Broncos. But the lasting images of the finest season in team history could not be diminished. Reeves is named NFL Coach of the Year and the birds send six players to the Pro Bowl (RB Jamal Anderson, QB Chris Chandler, CB Ray Buchanan, S Eugene Robinson, LB Jessie Tuggle, T Bob Whitfield). A TLANTAFALCONS.COM MATHIS SETS MILESTONE Oct. 25, 1999 WR Terance Mathis breaks the club record for career receptions in grand style at Pittsburgh on Monday Night Football, moving past Andre Rison (423), as he hauls in 12 catches for 166 yards to push his total to 427. He eclipses Rison s record with a two-yard catch on the fourth play of the fourth quarter. MATHIS ADDS ANOTHER RECORD Sept. 17, 2000 WR Terance Mathis becomes the club s all-time leader in receiving yards, surpassing Alfred Jenkins mark of 6,257, by totatling 42 yards (on five catches) at Carolina. He establishes the record in the fourth quarter on a 15-yard reception to push his record totals to 6,262. Mathis now holds the record for career catches and yards in team history. FALCONS MAKE VICK THE PICK April 21, 2001 The Falcons trade WR/KR Tim Dwight, their #1 pick (5 th overall) and 3 rd pick in 2001, as well as a 2 nd round choice in 2002, to San Diego for the #1 overall selection (a day before the NFL draft). With the top choice, Atlanta tabs QB Michael Vick of Virginia Tech. Excited fans in the thousands create a buzz by driving to the Falcons new facility in Flowery Branch, Ga. for the team s draft day party to celebrate the choice. It marks the fourth time in franchise history that Atlanta selects the #1 overall player in a draft, following LB Tommy Nobis in 1966, QB Steve Bartkowski in 1975 and LB Andray Bruce in 1988. NOBLE WARRIOR LAYS DOWN HIS HAMMER Aug. 28, 2001 One of the all-time Falcon greats, Jessie The Hammer Tuggle, retires after a brilliant 14-year playing career. Tuggle played his entire football career in the state of Georgia from Griffin High School to Valdosta State to the Atlanta Falcons. The Hammer pounded out a team record 2,065 tackles in 209 games played, the third-most ever in team history. His 14 seasons played and 189 starts also are the third-highest total in team annals. Tuggle was honored with five Pro Bowl invitations from his peers (1992, 1994, 1995, 1997, 1998) during his consistent career that included 12 straight 100-taqckle seasons. Tuggle s place in Falcons history is even more special among his many fans because of his endearing commitment to the Atlanta community over the years. Fittingly, Tuggle s #58 jersey is honored by the team, because he will always be revered for his work on and off the field for the Falcons. 309 COMM. RELATIONS ADMINISTRATION COACHES 2009 REVIEW RECORDS & RESULTS
RECORDS & RESULTS 2009 REVIEW COACHES ADMINISTRATION COMM. RELATIONS TRAGEDY FORCES NFL TO POSTPONE GAMES Sept. 11, 2001 Commisioner Paul Tagliabue postpones all NFL games for the week of Sept. 16 after terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center on Sept. 11. The Falcons contest at St. Louis is re-scheduled for Jan. 6, 2002 as the regular season finale. Atlanta management quickly arranges a flag football game to be played one week after the attacks with proceeds benefitting the families of New York firefighters and police officers. With the help of Falcons fans, players, coaches and Falcons front office staff, the succesful event raises over $243,000 as several thousand fans showed up at the team s facility, and supporters continued to send in donations even weeks after the event. MATHIS BREAKS TOUCHDOWN MARK Sept. 30, 2001 WR Terance Mathis places his name again in select company by breaking Andre Rison s club record of 56 career touchdowns at Arizona. Entering the contest with 55 career touchdowns, Mathis catches two scoring passes against the Cardinals to total 57 in his career (since 1994) to help the birds to a 34 14 victory. He already owns Falcons career marks for receptions and receiving yards. Mathis tied Rison at 56 touchdowns by hauling in a 17 yard scoring pass in the first quarter. The record breaking score came on a 10-yard touchdown in the third quarter when Mathis caught a pass over the middle near the Arizona goal line and ran over two Cardinal defenders for the score and the record. FALCONS OWNERSHIP TO CHANGE HANDS Dec. 6, 2001 For the first time in 36 years, the Falcons will be owned by someone other than the Smith family as Arthur M. Blank reaches a preliminary agreement to purchase the team from Taylor Smith. Blank, cofounder and retired co-chairman of Atlanta-based Home Depot, is a passionate sports fan, a Falcons season-ticket holder and has been a resident of Atlanta since 1978. BROOKING REWARDED WITH PRO BOWL NOD Jan. 31, 2002 LB Keith Brooking is selected to his first Pro Bowl as the NFC s need player by Head Coach Andy Reid of the Eagles. Brooking made the switch from weakside linebacker to middle linebacker in 2001 to fill the void left by the retirement of Jessie Tuggle. Brooking finished with a team-leading 167 total tackles, surpassing his previous season-best of 95 tackles in 1999. The 167 stops are the most by a Falcon since Tuggle s 184 tackles in 1996. // HISTORICAL CALENDAR SALE OF THE FALCONS APPROVED Feb. 2002 In a special meeting in New Orleans on February 2, 2002, NFL owners vote unanimously to approve the sale of the Falcons to Arthur Blank. We want to create an organization that has a unique and special bond with the community, stated Blank after the sale was approved. I personally will not rest until I have a chance to wear a Super Bowl ring on behalf of everybody in Atlanta and in the state of Georgia. At his press conference, Mr. Blank announces a new three-year contract for Head Coach Dan Reeves. On February 12, 2002, the sale of the franchise to Mr. Blank by the Smith family is completed. This marks the end of an era for the Smith family, who were pioneers in bringing professional football to the Southeast. PASS THE MAGIC 2002 Season After a sluggish 1 3 start, the Falcons become one of the hottest stories of 2002 as they mount an NFLbest eight-game unbeaten streak (7 0 1). Included in the Falcons run of success were a pair of victories over division rival New Orleans, who started the season 6 1, a pair of shutout wins (30 0, 41 0) over division rival Carolina and a 34 34 tie at Pittsburgh in which the Falcons overcame a 17-point deficit in the fourth quarter to force overtime and the eventual tie. DOME SWEET DOME 2002 Season For the first time in 10 years the Falcons sold out all eight of their regular season home games and they increased their season ticket base by more than 100 percent, which set an NFL record for the highest rate of increase in new season tickets sold. Included in the Falcons eight home games were three of the top 10 crowds in team history. VICK RUNS INTO NFL RECORD BOOK Dec. 1, 2002 Falcons QB Michael Vick single-handedly leads the Falcons to an OT victory over the Minnesota Vikings by establishing a new NFL rushing record for quarterbacks with 173 yards on 10 carries. He also set the NFL record for the highest per-carry average in a single game (17.3 yards). His 46-yard touchdown dash in overtime not only propelled the Falcons to a 30 24 victory, but also set the record for the longest run by a Falcons QB in team history. 310 A TLANTAFALCONS.COM
// HISTORICAL CALENDAR FALCONS MAKE IN GREEN BAY Jan. 4, 2003 Despite losing three of their last four games of the regular season to end with a 9 6 1 record, the Falcons still managed to get into the playoffs thanks to some outside help. Facing seemingly insurmountable odds, the Falcons became the first team ever to defeat the Green Bay Packers in a playoff game at Lambeau Field with a 27 7 victory. Entering the game, the Packers had never lost a home playoff game in 13 tries. A solid performance by Vick, who accounted for 181 combined yards, a stingy outing by the Falcons defense, which forced five turnovers, and an opportunistic special teams unit, which blocked a punt for a touchdown and forced a fumble to set up another, would be all the Falcons would need. It marked the Falcons first playoff appearance and victory since the Super Bowl season of 1998. FALCONS UNVEIL NEW LOGO March 19, 2003 Before a large gathering of media and the entire Falcons organization, the Falcons unveiled their new logo. The logo was designed in conjunction with NFL Properties after a lengthy research process, which included conducting focus groups and polls with many fans. In addition, Falcons players, coaches and staff had the opportunity to give their thoughts. REEVES WINS 200 TH GAME Nov. 9, 2003 Atlanta Falcons head coach Dan Reeves captures the 200 th victory of his career as the Falcons defeat the New York Giants on the road 27 7. After the Falcons earned Reeves his 199 th victory in the season s opening game against Dallas, the Falcons lost seven consecutive contests before snapping the losing streak against the Giants. Reeves became the seventh coach in NFL history to win at least 200 games in his career. REEVES RELEASED FROM CONTRACT Dec. 10, 2003 Arthur Blank announces that Falcons head coach Dan Reeves has been released from his contract and that defensive coordinator Wade Phillips will serve as interim coach for the final three games of the regular season. In his seven-plus seasons with the Falcons, Reeves accumulated a record of 49 69 1. He leaves the Falcons with the seventh-most wins (201) in NFL history. A TLANTAFALCONS.COM MCKAY JOINS FALCONS Dec. 15, 2003 Longtime Tampa Bay Buccaneers executive Rich McKay leaves the Buccaneers with two games remaining in the 2003 season to assume the role of Falcons president and general manager. Coincidentally, McKay was hired five days prior to the Falcons game against the Buccaneers in Tampa. It would be a pleasant homecoming for McKay as the Falcons upset the Buccaneers 30 28, knocking Tampa Bay from playoff contention. JIM MORA NAMED HEAD COACH Jan. 9, 2004 San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Jim Mora is named the 12 th head coach in team history. At the time of his hiring, Mora is the third-youngest coach in the NFL at 42 years of age. BIRDS CLINCH 3 RD DIVISION TITLE WITH ROUT Dec. 12, 2004 Jim Mora becomes just the 11 th rookie head coach to win a Division title since 1970 as the Falcons rout the Oakland Raiders 35 10 to claim the NFC South championship. It marks the club s third division title in team history and first since 1998 in the old NFC West. The win also gives the Falcons their fourth 10-win season in team history. RB T.J. Duckett sets team records for most touchdowns scored and most rushing touchdowns scored with four, as well as most points scored in a single-game with 24. RB Warrick Dunn rushes for 103 yards, his eighth 100- yard game as a Falcon, QB Michael Vick completes a crisp 13 20 for 145 yards and DT Rod Coleman punctuates the win with a 39-yard interception return touchdown against his former team. FIRST TIME LEAGUE LEADERS 2004 Regular Season For the first time in team history the Falcons lead the NFL in rushing yards and establish a new team record with 2,672 yards. RB Warrick Dunn tops 1,000 yards with 1,106 and QB Michael Vick adds 902 rushing yards to the explosive ground game. The club also paces the League in QB sacks with 48. SETTING THE (PLAYOFF) RECORD STRAIGHT Jan. 15, 2005 In their first home playoff game since 1999, the Falcons do not take any prisoners and blow-out the Rams 47 17 in a Divisional Playoff game at home where records fall. The Falcons running game dominates with a club record 327 rushing yards, which is the fourth-highest in NFL postseason 311 COMM. RELATIONS ADMINISTRATION COACHES 2009 REVIEW RECORDS & RESULTS
RECORDS & RESULTS 2009 REVIEW COACHES ADMINISTRATION COMM. RELATIONS history. The defensive effort was equally impressive as Ed Donatell s unit does not allow a single point in the second half. The DVD Backfield of Warrick Dunn (142 yards rushing, 2 TD s), Michael Vick (203 combined yards) and T.J. Duckett (66 yards, 1 TD) account for all of record 327 rushing yards. Vick s 119 yards is the most ever by a quarterback in a postseason game and combined with Warrick Dunn s 142 yards the duo becomes only the fourth set of backs in the Super Bowl era to account for more than 100 yards in the same game. DE Brady Smith does not let up and sacks QB Marc Bulger for a safety and Duckett s four-yard touchdown run ends the scoring in the fourth quarter as the Falcons advance to the NFC Championship Game for the second time in team history. FALCONS FALL SHORT IN SUPER BOWL CHASE Jan. 23, 2005 The Falcons fall short in the NFC Championship Game in frigid tempertures at Philadelphia after only trailing 14 10 at halftime as their season ends with a 27 10 final verdict. Atlanta finishes the 2004 campaign with an overall record of 12 6 and provide Falcons fans with plenty of thrills. Jim Mora garnered votes for Coach of the Year, as well as winning NFC Coach of the Year. QB Michael Vick, TE Alge Crumpler, LB Keith Brooking, DE Patrick Kerney and returner Allen Rossum go to the Pro Bowl, the most Falcons players since 1998 Super Bowl season. Among the notable season achievements include leading the NFL in rushing with 2,672 yards and quarterback sacks with 48, both firsts in club history. RB Warrick Dunn (1,106 yards) goes over 1,000 yards and QB Michael Vick just misses with 902 yards, the third-highest rushing total for a quarterback in NFL history. Vick s three 100-yard rushing games ties the modern day record for most 100-yard games in a single-season by a QB and his career total now of five establishes a new record. NEW SELL OUT STREAK Nov. 13, 2005 With their 29 th straight sold-out Georgia Dome against the visiting Green Bay Packers, the Falcons break the old club record of 28 consecutive regular season sell-outs between 1971 74. The club enters the 2006 season with 41 sell-outs in-a-row (counting preseason and postseason) at home. DOIN IT RIGHT ON MONDAY NIGHT 2005 Season The Falcons take full advantage of the most national exposure in team history by posting a perfect 3 0 record on Monday Night Football with victories over the Eagles (on opening weekend), Jets and Saints. // HISTORICAL CALENDAR The birds also add a big win at Detriot on FOX in their first game ever on Thanksgiving Day and only lose at Chicago on ESPN Sunday Night football for an impressive 4 1 record on nationally-televised contests. THE GREAT DANE S HISTORICAL BOOT Dec. 16, 2006 K Morten Andersen becomes the NFL s all-time leading scorer against Dallas in front of a nationallytelevised audience on the NFL Network with his second extra point in the second quarter to move past Gary Anderson s old mark and into the record books with 2,435 points. (He boots four PAT s on the night in a 38 28 loss). THE GREAT DANE CONNECTS AGAIN Dec. 24, 2006 Morten Andersen puts his name in another NFL record book by breaking Gary Anderson s mark for career field goals a week later against Carolina. Andersen boots a 40-yard field goal in the first quarter at the Georgia Dome for his 539 th of his career. (He finishes the season with 540 career, three-pointers.) VICK SETS RUSHING STANDARD Dec. 24, 2006 Michael Vick becomes the first quarterback in NFL history to rush for over 1,000 yards in a singleseason against the Carolina Panthers on Christmas Eve at the Georgia Dome. Vick runs into the record books with an 18-yard scamper on the Falcons first possession. Vick eclipses Chicago Bears QB Bobby Douglass 1972 all-time mark of 968 yards the week before against Dallas. He finishes the season with 1,039 rushing yards. BOBBY PETRINO NAMED NEW HEAD COACH Jan. 7, 2006 The club releases Jim Mora from his contract on January 1, 2007 and appoints Bobby Petrino from Louisville as the 13 th head coach in Falcons history. Petrino would abruptly quit after 13 games into his first season. DUNN HITS A MILESTONE Nov. 22, 2007 Falcons running back Warrick Dunn topped 10,000 career rushing yards in a game against Indianapolis, becoming the 22nd player in NFL history to accomplish the feat. 312 A TLANTAFALCONS.COM
// HISTORICAL CALENDAR DIMITROFF AND SMITH AT THE HELM Jan. 2008 The Falcons hire General Manager Thomas Dimitroff followed by Head Coach Mike Smith (14th in team history) to lead the Falcons. Smith joined the team following a five-year stint as Jacksonville s Defensive Coordinator while Dimitroff previously served as the Director of College Scouting for the New England Patriots. WELCOME MATTY ICE Apr. 26, 2008 Dimitroff and Smith draft quarterback Matt Ryan with the third overall selection in the NFL Draft. In his first season, Ryan was named the NFL s Rookie of the Year by the Associated Press and Sporting News as he threw for 3,440 yards and 16 touchdowns. His passing total ranks sixth in a single-season in Falcons annals as he became only the second rookie quarterback ever in NFL history to amass over 3,000 passing yards (Peyton Manning). Ryan became one of two rookie quarterbacks in the NFL since 2003 to start a regular season opener. He guided Atlanta to an 11-5 record, which made him the first rookie quarterback in franchise history to win 11 games. Ryan also became the first quarterback in club history to reach the 3,000-yard passing plateau. On his first career NFL passing attempt against Detroit in Week 1, Ryan found wide receiver Michael Jenkins for a 62-yard touchdown to become the first quarterback in the NFL since 2000 to throw a TD on his first career passing attempt. He led the Falcons to a 7-1 record at the Georgia Dome and guided the Falcons to a 6-2 mark in games decided by one score or less. Other accomplishments this season included NFC Rookie of the Month accolades (October) and NFC Player of the Week honors (Week 9 at Oakland). Ryan joined linebacker Tommy Nobis and defensive end Claude Humphrey as the only other Falcons to earn rookie of the year honors. TURNER MAKES GREAT FIRST IMPRESSION Sept. 7, 2008 After being signed as a free agent in the offseason, running back Michael Turner logged a franchise and career single-game high 220 rushing yards in his Falcons debut against Detroit. Turner s total led to a franchise single-game high 318 total yards. His rushing total was the most in NFL history by a player in his first game with a new team and fell 30 yards short of tying an opening day rushing record held by O.J. Simpson (250 yards in 1973). A TLANTAFALCONS.COM ABRAHAM SACKS A RECORD Dec. 21, 2008 With his lone sack against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 16 of the season, defensive end John Abraham set a new team record and personal best with 16.5 sacks in 2008. He topped the old mark of 16.0 held by Joel Williams, which was set in 1980. On three occasions, Abraham finished a contest with three quarterback takedowns. BACK IN THE PLAYOFF PICTURE 2008 In just one season, the Falcons rebounded from four wins in 2007 to an 11-5 regular season record and the team s first playoff berth since 2004. The Falcons finished with a 7-1 home record and also earned road victories against Green Bay, San Diego and Minnesota. After finishing second in the NFC South, the Falcons earned a playoff berth, but fell to the eventual NFC Champion Arizona Cardinals. TURNER AND WHITE REPRESENT FALCONS IN PRO BOWL 2008 Running back Michael Turner and wide receiver Roddy White became the Falcons first Pro Bowl selections since 2006. In his first year with the team, Turner posted 1,699 rushing yards, which ranked second in the NFL and produced eight 100-yard contests. He set franchise records with 17 rushing touchdowns in a season and a 220-rushing yard performance in the season opener versus Detroit. White became the first Falcons receiver to total back to back 1,000-yard seasons since 1998-99, while his 1,382 receiving yards set a single-season franchise record. WHITE GOES OVER 200 Oct. 11, 2009 Wide receiver Roddy White finished a contest against San Francisco with eight receptions for a franchise record 210 yards (26.3 avg.). His total topped Terance Mathis previous mark of 198 yards which he set against New Orleans in 1998. In the same game, White recorded a 90-yard touchdown reception which marked the third longest pass completion in Falcons history. 313 COMM. RELATIONS ADMINISTRATION COACHES 2009 REVIEW RECORDS & RESULTS
RECORDS & RESULTS 2009 REVIEW COACHES ADMINISTRATION COMM. RELATIONS BACK TO BACK Jan. 3, 2010 With a 20-10 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium in the season finale, the Falcons posted back to back winning seasons for the first time in franchise history. Following an 11-5 record in 2008, Atlanta closed the 09 campaign with three consecutive wins en route to a 9-7 record. WHITE MAKES SECOND STRAIGHT VISIT TO PRO BOWL Jan. 27, 2010 Wide receiver Roddy White was added to the 2010 NFC Pro Bowl roster, making his second consecutive appearance to the NFL s All-Star game. White led the team in receiving with 1,153 yards on 85 receptions and recorded a career-high 11 touchdowns. He became only the second receiver in franchise history to total three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons. In a Week 5 meeting at San Francisco, White tallied a franchise single-game record with 210 yards while contributing with a 90-yard touchdown reception in that game. // HISTORICAL CALENDAR 314 A TLANTAFALCONS.COM
COACHES 1968 70 In 1968, the Falcons removed the Falcon crest logo from the sleeves and replaced it with red and white stripes. Also, a red-black-red stripe combination was added to the sleeves. 1990 2002 In 1990, the Falcons once again wore black jerseys as they did in their inaugural years. The 1990 season marked Atlanta s 25th anniversary season in the NFL, and the team wore a commemorative patch on their left shoulder. In addition, the Falcons switched to a black helmet with a black face mask and a white Falcon crest logo. From 1990 2002, the home jersey was black with white numbers trimmed in red with a black Falcon crest logo trimmed in red on the sleeves. The away jersey was white with red numbers trimmed in black with a black Falcon crest logo trimmed in red on the sleeves. The pants were Falcon silver with a black stripe down the middle trimmed in white and red. ADMINISTRATION 1966 67 Black Jersey s with white numbers and red trim at home with a white Falcon crest on the sleeves. The away jersey was white with black numbers trimmed in red and a black Falcon crest on the sleeves. The Falcons had white pants with a red strip bordered by two black stripes for both home and away games. The helmet was red with a black Falcon crest logo trimmed in white, and there was a black strip trimmed in white down the middle of the helmet. COMM. RELATIONS // UNIFORM 2009 REVIEW 1966 67 1971 89 315 ATLANTAFALCONS.COM RECORDS & RESULTS 1971 1989 In 1971, the Falcons switched to red jerseys for the first time and wore them all the way up to the 1989 season. The only other significant change to this uniform was the addition of silver-gray pants in 1978. Also in 1984, the Falcons switched to a black face mask. The home jersey was red with white numbers and black trim with white-black-white sleeve stripes. The away jersey was white with red numbers and black trim with red and black stripes on the sleeves. In 1979 the Falcon crest logo was added to the sleeves. 1968 70
RECORDS & RESULTS 2009 REVIEW COACHES ADMINISTRATION COMM. RELATIONS 2003 PRESENT The year 2003 continued to bring about many new changes for the Atlanta Falcons. Perhaps the biggest changes came with the introduction of the team s new logo and uniforms unveiled over the course of a two-month period. On March 19, 2003, before a large gathering of media and the entire Falcons organization, the Falcons presented their new logo. 2003 PRESENT The new Atlanta Falcons logo is fresh, strong and dynamic, and yet appreciates the tradition and history of this franchise, said Falcons Owner & CEO Arthur Blank. The new logo depicts a more powerful, aggressive Falcon - one of fast movement. It is also representative of the evolution and direction of our team. The logo was designed in conjunction with NFL Properties after a lengthy research process, which included conducting focus groups and polls with many fans. In addition, Falcons players, coaches and staff had the opportunity to give their thoughts. // UNIFORM The home uniforms consisted of black jerseys and white pants, while the road attire featured white jerseys and white pants. The team also introduced modified versions of the uniforms, which included wearing black jerseys with black pants at home and white jerseys with black pants on the road. The jerseys and pants included red piping down the side, which expand at the knee for a fast, streamlined look. They also have Falcons stitched at the neckline in a newly developed font and include a number font that was designed specifically for the Falcons, consisting of a drop shadow for more depth. The black jerseys contained white numbers with red trim, while the white jerseys contained red numbers with black trim. The new Falcons logo appeared on the sleeve of both jerseys on a red background. The helmet remained black, however it also featured a metallic flack compared to the previous flat blackcolored helmet. In 2004, the Falcons announced they would wear red jerseys at home and use the black jerseys as their alternate third jersey. Declared the team s alternate third jersey in 2003, red jerseys were worn twice in 2003, against the Tennessee Titans on November 23 and again in the Falcons nationallytelevised 20 14 overtime win against the Carolina Panthers on December 7. 2009 The Falcons unveiled throwback uniforms in a Week 2 meeting against the Carolina Panthers to honor the inaugural 1966 team as part of Alumni Weekend. Atlanta again donned the retro uniforms in a Week 12 meeting against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at the Georgia Dome. Atlanta won both games with the throwback uniforms. 2009 THROWBACK UNIFORMS 316 A TLANTAFALCONS.COM
COMM. RELATIONS // FALCONS STADIUMS ADMINISTRATION COACHES GEORGIA DOME In 1992, the Atlanta Falcons and the state of Georgia unveiled to the rest of the world the latest crown jewel in an ever-shining southern skyline with the opening of the Georgia Dome. Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium was built in 51 weeks and gave the city the foundation to support bigleague baseball and pro football. Less than a year after construction, the stadium was primped for a cameo appearance by the baseball Braves, who were still playing in Milwaukee at the time, on April 9, 1965. On August 14 of that same year, the Minnesota Vikings defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first football game ever played at the stadium. Some local people deemed the Stadium The Miracle on Capital Avenue. ATLANTAFALCONS.COM 317 As soon as the project was passed, the Dome became a major player in the sporting community.rankin Smith was determined to introduce the south s latest RECORDS & RESULTS The project came to fruition in the spring of 1989 when the state, the Atlanta City Council, and Fulton County Commission approved the construction of the $210 million Dome. Groundbreaking ceremonies took place on November 22, 1989, with construction getting underway on March 27, 1990. Twenty-six years of NFL football in Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium came to an end on December 15, 1991 when the Falcons met the Seattle Seahawks for their final game in their very first home. 2009 REVIEW In January of 1989, Rankin Smith and then-governor Joe Frank Harris signed a memorandum of understanding for the Falcons to play in the Dome under a 20-year lease. ATLANTA FULTON COUNTY STADIUM (1966 91) Falcons Record (85 106 2) The Georgia Dome is the culmination of efforts which began in earnest in June of 1984 as business, civic and governmental leaders gathered to discuss a new stadium in Atlanta. The project continued to gain steam in January of 1988 as a consensus of leaders agreed on using a hotel/motel tax increase to finance the local portion of construction. showpiece to the football world and he succeeded. With the determined backing of the Smith family, the Georgia Dome played host to the most significant sporting events in the world as global attention was focused on Atlanta for Super Bowl XXVIII played on January 31, 1994 between the Dallas Cowboys and the Buffalo Bills. The Georgia Dome hosted its second Super Bowl on January 30, 2000 between the St. Louis Rams and the Tennessee Titans. GEORGIA DOME (1992 present) Falcons Home Record (74-54 0)
RECORDS & RESULTS 2009 REVIEW COACHES ADMINISTRATION COMM. RELATIONS The Atlanta Falcons organization doesn t officially retire jersey numbers, but considers certain player s jerseys worthy of being honored. Currently, the Falcons do not use any of the jersey numbers honored below. The Falcons Ring of Honor which is featured in the rafters of the Georgia Dome honors individual players and not jerseys. TOMMY NOBIS (1966 76) 60 The first ever player drafted by the Atlanta Falcons for the inaugural 1966 season, Nobis quickly became the first ever Falcons player to be voted to the Pro Bowl after being selected as a rookie. The stellar middle linebacker was named the NFL Rookie of the Year for his efforts. Mr. Falcon led the team in tackles in nine of his 11 seasons, while earning five trips to the Pro Bowl. In a poll conducted in 1970 by ABC to pick the best athlete of the decade of the 1960s, running back O.J. Simpson was number one and Tommy Nobis was number two in the entire country. He had an astronomical 294 total combined tackles as a rookie, still the team s club record. Nobis also intercepted 11 passes during his pro career, returning two for touchdowns. His uniform #60 has been worn by only him during the team s existence. He retired in 1976. JEFF VAN NOTE (1969 86) 57 Holds Falcons team marks for most seasons played (18) and most consecutive games played (155). He is second in the team record books with 246 games played and 225 games started. Van Note originally came to the Falcons as a linebacker from Kentucky, but was moved to center by head coach Norm Van Brocklin and eventually earned the starting job at center in 1970. He earned the first of his six Pro Bowl berths in 1974. Van Note is tied with Claude Humphrey for most Pro Bowl appearances by a Falcons player with six. He retired in 1986. STEVE BARTKOWSKI (1975-85) 10 The No. 1 overall draft pick in 1975, he was named the NFL s Rookie of the Year after throwing for 1,662 yards and 15 touchdowns. He set every team record in passing, which included 23,468 career yards and 154 touchdown passes in 123 games. He produced three seasons of 3,000 yards or more passing, 12 games of more than 300 yards passing and two seasons of 30 or more touchdown passes. Bartkowski collected over 50 victories as a starting quarterback for the Falcons and guided the team to their first playoff victory in franchise history over the Philadelphia Eagles in 1978. // RING OF HONOR second running back in NFL history to have two 2,000-yard (combined yards) seasons (the only other player prior to Williams was O.J. Simpson). When he had his first 2,000-yard year, he joined just four other backs who had done so (Jim Brown, Walter Payton, Wilbert Montgomery and Simpson). In his first five seasons in the NFL (1979 83), Andrews outgained every other back in the entire NFL. The bullish Andrews had 8,382 total yards in those five years (an average of 1,677 per year) to lead all NFL runners. Andrews set 19 Falcons club records that began in his very first NFL game in 1979 when he ran for 167 yards in a game at New Orleans where he totaled 189 yards. He was selected to the Pro Bowl in 1980, 1981, 1982 and 1983 and made the NFL All-Rookie team in 1979. He retired in 1987. JESSIE TUGGLE (1987 2000) 58 Jessie came to the Falcons as an undrafted free agent in 1987 and retired in August of 2001 as one of the all-time greatest players in franchise history. Nicknamed, The Hammer, for his bonejarring tackles, Tuggle is the club s all-time leader in total tackles with 2,065 and enjoyed 12 straight 100-tackle seasons. He led the team in tackles in a season 10 times and amassed 20 or more tackles in a single-game on four occasions with a personal best of 24 stops. His 14 seasons played, 189 career starts and 209 total games played are third most ever in Falcons history. Tuggle s five Pro Bowl appearances (1992, 1995, 1995, 1997, 1998) stand tied for the third-most ever by a Falcons player. The Falcons honored #58 with Jessie Tuggle Day during halftime of the Falcons game vs. the Detroit Lions on December 22, 2002. WILLIAM ANDREWS (1979 86) 31 A third-round pick, Andrews was among the NFL s elite runners when a shocking knee injury LB JESSIE TUGGLE WAS HONORED AT GEORGIA DOME prematurely ended his career. He became just the 318 A TLANTAFALCONS.COM
// RING OF HONOR The Atlanta Falcons Ring of Honor pays tribute to retired players who made significant contributions to the organization during their playing careers. During the 2003 season, long time Falcons season ticket holders nominated a group of players they would like to see inducted into the Atlanta Falcons Ring of Honor. The nine players receiving the highest number of nominations were then placed on a ballot for Falcons fans to cast their votes. The inaugural winners were QB Steve Bartkowski, LB Tommy Nobis, LB Jessie Tuggle and RB William Andrews. In 2006, a local media contingent nominated four players; DE Claude Humphrey, T Mike Kenn, RB Gerald Riggs and C Jeff Van Note, for induction into the Ring of Honor. Falcons fans then voted and elected C Jeff Van Note as the fifth member of this exclusive club. On October 1, 2006, Van Note was honored at the Georgia Dome with a special halftime eremony as his likeness was raised to rooftops with the original four members. In it s latest Ring of Honor vote in 2008, defensive end Claude Humphrey and offensive tackle Mike Kenn became the sixth and seventh members to be hoisted in the Georgia Dome rafters. The Falcons selected Bartkowski (1975 85), as the No. 1 overall draft pick in 1975 out of California. He was named the NFL s Rookie of the Year after throwing for 1,662 yards and 15 touchdowns. Bartkowski overcame numerous knee injuries to set every club record in passing, which included 23,468 yards and 154 touchdown passes in his 123 Falcons games. He produced three seasons of 3,000 yards or more passing, 12 games of more than 300 yards passing, and two seasons of 30 or more touchdown passes. Nobis (1966 76), was the first player ever drafted by the Falcons in 1966. Later that year, he became the first Falcons player to be voted to the Pro Bowl in a season that also included Rookie of the Year honors. Nobis would go on to lead the Falcons in tackles in 9 of 11 seasons, including a team record of 294 tackles in 1966. A five time Pro bowl selection, Nobis also intercepted 11 passes during his pro career, returning two of them for touchdowns. Nicknamed The Hammer for the vicious way in which he pounded ball carriers, Tuggle (1987 2000) would go on to become the Falcons career leader in tackles with 2,065 during his illustrious 209 game career. A five time Pro Bowl selection, Tuggle finished his career third on the team s all time lists in most seasons played (14), most games played (209) and started (189), fourth in most consecutive games played (110) and seventh in most consecutive games started (89). Tuggle led the Falcons in A TLANTAFALCONS.COM VAN NOTE JOINED THE RING OF HONOR tackles for nine straight seasons from 1988 97 and recorded more than 100 tackles for a team record 12 consecutive seasons. A third round draft choice of the Falcons in 1979 out of Auburn, Andrews (1979 86) was among the NFL s elite runners when a shocking knee injury prematurely ended one of the NFL s great playing careers. Andrews set 19 Falcons records that began in his very first NFL game in 1979 when he ran for 167 yards at New Orleans. In his first five seasons in the NFL (1979 83), he outgained every other back in the NFL. During that span, he helped lead the Falcons to the playoffs three times, including their first division title in 1980. Van Note, a six time Pro Bowler, played the most seasons (18) and most consecutive games (155) in Falcons history. His 246 career games played and 225 overall starts are second in team annuals. Van Note continues to be a presence in the Atlanta community upon his retirement in 1986 with a broadcasting career that includes the Falcons radio network. Humphrey was a first round pick by the Falcons in the 1968 NFL Draft and completed his career as the all-time sack leader in franchise history with 94.5. Humphrey also ranks third in Atlanta annals with 15.6 sacks in a single season. He is tied for the franchise lead with six Pro Bowl selections including five straight from 1970-74. Kenn was a mainstay on the Falcons offensive line aas the Michigan alum holds Falcons records in most games played and started (251) while ranking second in most seasons played with Atlanta (17). Kenn also posted a streak of 94 consecutive games played and earned Pro Bowl selections from 1980-84. 319 COMM. RELATIONS ADMINISTRATION COACHES 2009 REVIEW RECORDS & RESULTS
RECORDS & RESULTS 2009 REVIEW COACHES ADMINISTRATION COMM. RELATIONS A Abraham, John (DT), South Carolina.....2006-09 Absher, Dick (LB), Maryland............. 1967 68 Acks, Ron (LB), lllinois................... 1968 71 Adams, Bob (TE), Pacific.................... 1976 Adams, Brent (T), UT at C nooga.........1975 78 Adams, Scott (G/T), Georgia................ 1997 Adkins, Spencer (LB), Miami (Fla.).......... 2009 Agee, Mel (DL), Illinois.................. 1992 95 Akers, Jeremy (T), Notre Dame.............. 1997 Alex, Keith (G), Texas A&M................. 1993 Alexander, Harold (P), Appalachian St.... 1993 94 Allen, Anthony (WR), Washington....... 1985 86 Allen, Demetrius (WR), Virginia.............1996 Allen, Grady (LB), Texas A&M............1969 72 Alexander, P.J (G), Syracuse................ 2006 Ambrose, Ashley (CB), Miss. Valley St... 2000 02 Andersen, Morten (K), Mich. St... 1995 00, 06-07 Anderson, Anthony (RB), Temple............1980 Anderson, Courtney (TE), San Jose State.... 2007 Anderson, Darren (CB), Toledo..............1998 Anderson, Dunstan (DL), Tulsa..............1994 Anderson, Jamaal (DE), Arkansas........ 2007-09 Anderson, Jamal (RB), Utah..............1994 01 Anderson, Taz (TE), Georgia Tech........ 1966 67 Anderson, Tim (DT), Ohio State............ 2007 Andrews, William (RB), Auburn....... 1979 83, 86 Archambeau, Lester (DE), Stanford...... 1993 99 Archer, Dave (QB), Iowa St............... 1984 87 Atkins, Corey (LB), South Carolina........... 2000 Auer, Joe (RB), Georgia Tech.................1968 Austin, Cliff (RB), Clemson.............. 1984 86 B Babineaux, Jonathan (DT), Iowa.........2005-09 Badanjek, Rick (RB), Maryland........... 1987 88 Bailey, Jim (DT), Kansas..................1976 78 Bailey, Larry (DT), Pacific.................... 1974 Bailey, Stacey (WR), San Jose St.......... 1982 90 Baker, Eugene (WR), Kent............... 1999 00 Baker, Sam (OT), USC...................2008-09 Baker, Tony (RB), East Carolina...............1986 Baldwin, Robert (RB), Duke..................1996 Banks, Chris (G), Kansas................ 2000 01 Barnes, Gary (WR), Clemson............ 1966 67 Barnes, Lew (WR,KR), Oregon...............1988 Barnett, Doug (C) Azusa Pacific.............. 1987 Barnett, Oliver (DT), Kentucky........... 1990 92 Bartkowski, Steve (QB), California........ 1975 85 Bates, Patrick (S), Texas A&M...............1996 Batiste, D Anthony (OL), Louis.-Lafayette.... 2007 Bayne, Chris (S), Fresno State............ 1997 98 Bean, Bubba (RB), Texas A&M........... 1976 80 Beasley, Aaron (CB), West Virginia.......... 2004 Bebout, Nick (T), Wyoming..............1973 75 Beck, Jordan (LB), Cal Poly................. 2006 Beckman, Brad (TE), Nebraska Omaha.......1989 // ALL-TIME ALPHABETICAL ROSTER Bell, Bill (PK), Kansas.................... 1971 72 Bell, Kerwin (QB), Florida....................1988 Belton, Willie (RB), Maryland St........... 1971 72 Benish, Dan (DT), Clemson.............. 1983 86 Bennett, Cornelius (LB), Alabama........ 1996 98 Benson, Cliff (TE), Purdue............... 1984 85 Benson, Duane (LB), Hamline.............1972 73 Benson, Thomas (LB), Oklahoma........ 1984 85 Bentley, Scott (K), Florida State.............. 1997 Bergeron, Troy (WR), No college............ 2009 Berry, Bob (QB), Oregon................. 1968 72 Beverly, Eric (TE), Miami (Ohio)........ 2004 06 Bibla, Martin (G), Miami................2002 04 Biermann, Kroy (DE), Montana..........2008-09 Bingham, Guy (C/G), Montana...........1989 91 Birden, J.J. (WR), Oregon................ 1995 96 Bishop, Greg (G), Pacific....................1999 Blakley, Dwayne (TE), Missouri..........2004 07 Blalock, Justin (OG), Texas.............. 2007-09 Bleick, Tom (S), Georgia Tech................ 1967 Bolden, Juran (CB), Mississippi Delta 96 98, 02 03 Boley, Michael (LB), Southern Miss......2005 08 Booker, Marty (WR), Louisiana-Monroe..... 2009 Booker, Michael (CB), Nebraska.......... 1997 99 Bordano, Chris (LB), SMU.................. 2000 Bosley, Bruce (G), W Virginia................1969 Bowick, Tony (NT), UT/Chattanooga.........1989 Bowling, Andy (LB), Virginia Tech............ 1967 Boyd, Sean (S), North Carolina...............1996 Bradford, Ronnie (CB/S), Colorado........ 1997 01 Bramlet, Casey (QB), Wyoming............. 2007 Bramlett, John (LB), Memphis St............. 1971 Brandon, David (LB), Memphis State..... 1996 97 Breitenstein, Bob (G/T), Tulsa........... 1969 70 Brett, Walt (G), Montana.................... 1976 Brewer, Sean (TE), San Jose State........... 2003 Brezina, Greg (LB), Houston....... 1968 69, 71 79 Britt, James (DB), LSU.................. 1983 87 Brock, Eric (S), Auburn..................2008-09 Brooking, Keith (LB), Georgia Tech....... 1998 08 Brooks, Ethan (DT/OL), Williams College.....1996 Brooks, Jonathan (LB), Clemson.............1980 Broussard, Steve (RB), Washington St..... 1990 93 Brown, Aaron (LB), Ohio State........... 1986 87 Brown, Charlie (WR), SC State........... 1985 87 Brown, Clay (TE), Brigham Young............ 1982 Brown, Corey (WR), Tulsa...................2001 Brown, Greg (DE), Kansas State.......... 1987 88 Brown, Omar (S), North Carolina......... 1998 99 Brown, Ray (S), W Texas State............ 1971 78 Brown, Reggie (RB), Oregon................. 1982 Brown, Shannon (DT), Alabama..............1996 Brown, Tyrone (WR), Toledo............. 1995 96 Bruce, Aundray (LB), Auburn.............1988 91 Brunson, Mike (WR/RB), Arizona St.......... 1970 Bryan, Rick (DT), Oklahoma............. 1984 92 Bryant, Charles (RB), Allen..................1969 320 A TLANTAFALCONS.COM
// ALL-TIME ALPHABETICAL ROSTER Bryant, Matt (K), Baylor.................... 2009 Bryant, Romby (WR), Tulsa..................1969 Bryant, Warren (T), Kentucky............ 1978 83 Buchanan, Ray (CB), Louisville........... 1997 03 Buckley, Marcus (LB), Texas A&M.......... 2000 Burke, Vern (WR), Oregon St.................1966 Burley, Gary (DT), Pittsburgh................1984 Burrough, John (DT), Wyoming.......... 1995 98 Burrow, Ken (WR), San Diego St........... 1971 75 Burson, Jimmy (CB/S), Auburn..............1968 Bush, Devin (S), Florida State............ 1995 98 Butler, Bobby (CB), FSU..................1981 92 Butler, Jim (RB), Edward Waters.......... 1968 71 Byas, Rick (DB), Wayne St............... 1974 80 C Cabral, Brian (LB), Colorado................. 1979 Cahill, Dave (DT), Northern Arizona..........1969 Cain, Lynn (RB), USC.................... 1979 84 Calland, Lee (CB), Louisville............. 1966 68 Calloway, Chris (WR), Michigan.............1999 Camp, Reggie (DE), California...............1988 Campbell, Scott (QB), Purdue............ 1986 90 Campbell, Sonny (RB), North Arizona..... 1970 71 Carpenter, Keion (S), Virginia Tech... 2002 03, 05 Carrington, Paul (DE), Central Fla........... 2006 Carter, Marty (S), MIdd. Tenn. St..........1999 01 Carty, Johndale (S), Utah State.......... 1999 02 Case, Scott (DB), Oklahoma............. 1984 94 Cash, Antoine (LB), SMU................... 2005 Cash, Chris (CB), USC..................... 2005 Cash, Rick (DE), NE Missouri................1968 Casillas, Tony (DT), Oklahoma........... 1986 90 Cason, Wendell (DB), Oregon........... 1985 87 Cavness, Grady (CB), Texas EI Paso.......... 1970 Cawley, Mike (QB), James Madison..........1996 Cerne, Joe (C), Northwestern................1968 Chaffey, Pat (RB), Oregon St................. 1991 Chandler, Chris (QB), Washington........ 1997 01 Chapman, Mike (G), Texas..................1984 Chiaverini, Dale (WR), Colorado............ 2002 Childs, Henry (TE), Kansas St................ 1974 Chesson, Wes (WR), Duke............... 1971 73 Christian, Bob (FB), Northwestern........ 1997 02 Claridge, Dennis (QB), Nebraska.............1966 Claridge, Travis (G/T), USC............ 2000 03 Clark, Bret (S), Nebraska................ 1986 88 Clark, Vinnie (CB), Ohio St............... 1993 94 Claxton, Ben (G), Mississippi............... 2005 Claybo, Tyson (G), Wake Forest..........2006-09 Clayton, Stan (T/G), Penn State.......... 1988 89 Cobb, DeAndra (RB), Michigan State........ 2005 Coffey, Junior (RB), Washington.......1966 67,69 Cogdill, Gail (WR), Washington St........ 1969 70 Coia, Angelo (WR), USC....................1966 Coleman, Erik (S), Washington State.....2008-09 Coleman, Lincoln (RB), Baylor...............1996 A TLANTAFALCONS.COM Coleman, Rod (DT), East Carolina........2004 07 Collins, Calvin (G/C), Texas A&M........ 1997 00 Collins, Shawn (WR), N Arizona..........1989 91 Collins, Sonny (RB), Kentucky................ 1976 Condren, Glen (DT), Oklahoma...........1969 72 Conner, Darion (LB), Jackson State....... 1990 93 Cook, Ed (G), Notre Dame............... 1966 67 Cooper, Evan (DB), Michigan............ 1988 89 Cope, Jim (LB), Ohio........................ 1976 Cordill, Olie (WR), Memphis St..............1968 Correal, Chuck (C), Penn St.............. 1979 80 Costello, Joe (LB), Central Connecticut... 1986 88 Cotrell, Ted (LB), Delaware Valley........ 1969 70 Cotton, James (LB), Ohio State............. 2003 Cotton, Marcus (LB), USC............... 1988 89 Cousin, Terry (CB), South Carolina.......... 2000 Cox, Arthur (TE), Tex Southern.......... 1983 87 Crocker, Chris (S), Marshall.............2006-07 Crockett, Henri (LB), Florida State......... 1997 01 Croudip, David (DB), San Diego State.... 1985 88 Crowe, Larry (DB), Tex Southern............. 1975 Crumpler, Alge (TE), North Carolina...... 2001 07 Curran, Willie (WR), UCLA.............. 1982 84 Curry, Buddy (LB), North Carolina........ 1980 87 D Dabney, Carlton (DT), Morgan St.............1968 Dahl, Harvey (OG), Nevado-Reno........ 2007-09 Daluiso, Brad (K), UCLA..................... 1991 Dantzler, Woodrow (RB), Clemson.......... 2003 Davis, Antone (T) Tennessee............ 1996 97 Davis, Brad (RB), LSU....................... 1975 Davis, Chauncey (DE), FSU..............2005 09 Davis, Nathan (DT), Indiana................. 1997 Davis, Greg (K), Citadel................. 1987 90 Davis, Mitch (LB), Georgia..................1994 Davis, Paul (LB), North Carolina...........1981 82 Davis, Ron (DB), Tennessee................. 1995 Davis, Scott (G), Iowa....................... 1997 Daykin, Tony (LB), Georgia Tech..........1979 81 DeBerg, Steve (QB), San Jose St..............1998 DeCoud, Thomas (S), California.........2008-09 Denton, Tim (CB), Sam Houston St....... 1996 97 Detmer, Ty (QB), BYU.................. 2004 05 Dickerson, Eric (RB), SMU................... 1993 Dils, Steve (QB), Stanford...................1988 Dimry, Charles (DB), UNLV.............. 1988 90 Dinkins, Howard (LB), Florida St.......... 1992 93 Dixon, Corey (WR), Nebraska...............1994 Dixon, Floyd (WR), Stephen F. Austin......1986 91 Dixon, Rich (LB), California.................. 1983 Dodd, Al (WR), NW Louisiana St..........1973 74 Doleman, Chris (DE), Pittsburgh......... 1994 95 Donaldson, Jeff (S), Colorado.............1991 93 Donnelly, Rick (P), Wyoming............ 1985 88 Donohoe, Mike (TE), U of SF....... 1968, 1970 71 Douglas, Harry (WR), Louisville..........2008-09 321 COMM. RELATIONS ADMINISTRATION COACHES 2009 REVIEW RECORDS & RESULTS
RECORDS & RESULTS 2009 REVIEW COACHES ADMINISTRATION COMM. RELATIONS Downs, Gary (RB), N.C. State............ 1997 00 Draft, Chris (LB), Stanford.............. 2000 04 Dronett, Shane (DT), Texas.............. 1996 02 Duckett, T.J. (RB), Michigan St...........2002 05 Dudley, Kevin (FB), Michigan............... 2006 Dufour, Dan (C/G), UCLA............... 1983 84 Duich, Steve (G), San Diego St...............1968 Dukes, Jamie (G), Florida State.......... 1986 93 Dunaway, Dave (WR), Duke.................1968 Dunbar, LaTarence (WR), TCU.............. 2003 Duncan, Jamie (LB), Vanderbilt............. 2004 Dunn, Perry Lee (RB), Mississippi........ 1966 68 Dunn, Warrick (RB), Florida St............2002 07 Dwight, Tim (WR), Iowa................ 1998 00 E East, Ron (DT), Montana St.................. 1976 Eastering, Ray (S), Richmond.............1972 79 Eatman, Irv, (T), UCLA......................1994 Eaton, Tracey (S), Portland St..............1991 93 Eber, Rick (WR), Tulsa......................1968 Edwards, Antonio (DE), Valdosta St...........1998 Edwards, Antuan (S), Clemson.............. 2005 Edwards, Brad (S), South Carolina........ 1994 96 Edwards, Terrence (WR), Georgia........... 2003 Elam, Jason (K), Hawaii.................2008-09 Eley, Monroe (RB), Arizona St.............1975 78 Ellis, Clarence (CB), Notre Dame.......... 1972 74 Elliott, Jamin (WR), Delaware............... 2006 Emanuel, Bert (WR), Rice............... 1994 97 Emery, Larry (RB), Wisconsin................ 1987 Enderle, Dick (G), Minnesota............. 1969 71 English, R.J. (WR), Pittsburgh............... 2002 Epps, Tory (NT), Memphis State......... 1990 92 Esposito, Mike (RB), Boston College.......1976 79 Etter, Bob (K), Georgia.................. 1968 69 Everett, Major (RB), Mississippi College...... 1987 F Farmer, Karl (WR), Pittsburgh............1976 77 Farris, Jimmy (WR), Montana...........2002 04 Faumuina, Wilson (DT), San Jose St....... 1977 81 Favre, Brett (QB), So Miss................... 1991 Feely, Jay (K), Michigan................. 2001 04 Ferguson, Jim (C), USC......................1969 Fields, Edgar (DT), Texas A&M.......... 1977 80 Fields, Scott (LB), Southern California........1996 Finneran, Brian (WR), Villanova......... 2000 09 Fishback, Joe (S), Carson Newman.......1991 92 Fitzgerald, Mike (CB/S), Iowa State.......... 1967 Flatley, Paul (WR), Northwestern........ 1968 69 Flemons, Ronald (DE), Texas A&M....... 2001 02 Flowers, Kenny (RB), Clemson......... 1987, 1989 Ford, Darryl (LB), New Mexico St.............1994 Forney, Kynan (G), Hawaii............... 2001 07 Fortin, Roman (C), San Diego State....... 1992 97 Fortner, Larry (WB), Miami Ohio............1980 // ALL-TIME ALPHABETICAL ROSTER Foster, Renardo (OL), Louisville............. 2007 Fountaine, Jamal (LB), Washington........... 1997 Foxworth, Domonique (CB), Maryland....... 2008 Fralic, Bill (G/T), Pittsburgh............. 1985 92 Francis, Wallace (WR), Arkansas AM&N... 1975 81 Franklin, George (RB), Texas A&l............. 1978 Fraser, Simon (DE), Ohio State.............. 2008 Freeman, Mike (CB/S), Fresno St......... 1968 70 Fritsch, Ted (C), St. Norbert............... 1972 75 Frye, David (LB), Purdue................. 1983 85 Fudge, Jamaal (S), Clemson.............2008-09 Fulhage, Scott (P), Kansas St..............1989 91 Fuller, Randy (CB), Tennessee St..............1998 G Gagliano, Bob (QB), Utah St.................. 1993 Gaison, Blane (S), Hawaii.................1981 84 Gallagher, Frank (G), N Carolina.............. 1973 Gandy, Wayne (T), Auburn..............2006-08 Gann, Mike (DE), Notre Dame........... 1985 93 Gardner, Derrick (CB), California.............1999 Gardner, Moe (NT), Illinois...............1991 96 Garza, Roberto (C/G), Tex. A&M Kings... 2001 04 Gaylor, Trevor (WR), Miami (Ohio).......... 2002 Geathers, James (DT), Wichita St........ 1993 95 George, Jeff, (QB), Illinois............... 1994 96 George, Ron (LB), Stanford.............. 1993 96 Gia Garcia, Jim (DE), Purdue.................1968 George, Steve (DT), Houston................ 1976 Geredine, Thomas (WR), NE Missouri St...1973 74 German, Jammi (WR), Miami........... 1998 00 Germany, Willie (S), Morgan St.............. 1972 Giacomarro, Ralph (P), Penn State....... 1983 85 Gibson, Damon (WR/KR), Iowa............ 2002 Gilbert, Lewis (TE), Florida...............1978 79 Gilbert, Tony (LB), Georgia..............2008-09 Gilliam, John (WR), South Carolina St......... 1976 Gipson, Paul (RB), Houston.............. 1969 70 Glass, Glenn (WR), Tennessee...............1966 Glazebrook, Bob (DB), Fresno St.......... 1978 83 Glymph, Junior (DE), Carson Newman.. 2004 05 Goff, Willard (DT), W Texas St............... 1985 Goldberg, Bill (NT), Georgia............. 1992 94 Gonzalez, Tony (TE), California............. 2009 Goodwin, Doug (RB), Maryland St............1968 Gordon, Darrien (CB/PR), Stanford...........2001 Gordon, Dwayne (LB), New Hampshire... 1993 94 Gordon, Tim (S), Tulsa.................. 1987 90 Gotshalk, Len (T), Humboldt St............1972 76 Graziani, Tony (QB), Oregon............. 1997 00 Green, Harold (RB), South Carolina)...... 1997 98 Green, Lamont (LB), Florida State............1999 Green, Tim (LB), Syracuse............... 1986 93 Greene, Tiger (DB), Western Carolina........ 1985 Griffith, Justin (FB), Mississippi State.....2003 06 Grimes, Brent (CB), Shippensburg........ 2007-09 Grimm, Dan (G/C), Colorado............ 1966 68 322 A TLANTAFALCONS.COM
// ALL-TIME ALPHABETICAL ROSTER H Haji Sheikh, Ali (K), Michigan...............1986 Hall, Corey (S), Appalachian State...........2001 Hall, Cory (S), Fresno State............. 2003 04 Hall, DeAngelo (CB), Virginia Tech.......2004 07 Hall, Travis (DT), BYU................... 1995 03 Hallen, Bob (G/T), Kent State.............1998 01 Halverson, Dena (LB), Washington........... 1970 Hamilton, Conrad (CB), East. New Mexico....2001 Hamilton, Ruffin (LB), Tulane............ 1997 99 Hampton, Dave (RB), Wyoming........... 1972 75 Hansen, Don (LB), lllinois.................1969 75 Hanspard, Byron (RB), Texas Tech........ 1997 99 Harmon, Tom (G), Gus, Adolphus............ 1967 Harper, John (LB), So lllinois................. 1983 Harper, Roger (S), Ohio St............... 1993 95 Harris, Antoine (S), Louisville............ 2007-09 Harris, Bill (RB), Colorado...................1968 Harris, Leonard (WR), Texas Tech............1994 Harris, Ronnie (WR), Oregon............ 1998 99 Harris, Roy (DT), Florida................ 1984 85 Harrington, Joey (QB), Oregon.............. 2007 Harrison, Dennis (DE), Vanderbilt........ 1986 87 Hart, Leo (QB), Duke........................ 1971 Hartsock, Ben (TE), Ohio State............. 2008 Hartwell, Edgerton (LB), Western Illinois..2005 06 Hauschka, Steve (K), North Carolina St...... 2009 Hawkins, Alex (WR), South Carolina..... 1966 67 Haworth, Steve (DB), Oklahoma......... 1983 84 Havig, Dennis (G), Colorado.............. 1972 75 Hayes, Mercury, (WR), Michigan............ 1997 Hayes, Tom (CB), San Diego St............ 1971 75 Haynes, Michael (WR), N Arizona... 1988 93, 97 Haynes, Verron (FB), Georgia............... 2009 Heard, Ronnie (S), Mississippi.............. 2005 Heath, Rodney (CB), Minnesota............. 2002 Hebert, Bobby (QB), NW Louisiana...... 1993 96 Heck, Ralph (LB), Colorado.............. 1966 68 Heller, Ron (TE), Oregon St..................1989 Herman, Chuck (G), Arkansas...............1980 Herndon, Steve (G), Georgia................ 2004 Herron, Mack (RB), Kansas St................ 1975 Hester, Jessie (WR), FSU....................1988 Hettema, Dave (T), New Mexico............. 1970 Heyward, Craig (RB), Pittsburgh......... 1994 96 Higdon, Alex (TE), Ohio State...............1988 Hill, Drew (WR), Georgia Tech........... 1992 93 Hill, Kahlil (WR), Iowa..................... 2002 Hill, Tye (CB), Clemson..................... 2009 Hilton, Roy (DE), Jackson St.................. 1975 Hinson, Billy (G), Florida....................1986 Hinton, Chris (T), Northwestern......... 1990 93 Hodge, Floyd (WR), Utah............... 1982 84 Holecek, John (LB), Illinois.................. 2002 Holly, Bob (QB), Princeton............... 1984 85 Holmes, Rudy (DE), Drake................... 1974 Holt, Pierce (DL), Angelo St.............. 1993 95 A TLANTAFALCONS.COM Hoover, Houston (T), Jackson State...... 1988 92 Horn, Joe (WR), Itawamba (JC)............. 2007 House, Raymond (DE), Arkansas............ 2003 Houston, Chris (CB), Arkansas........... 2007-09 Houston, Harrison (WR), Florida.............1994 Howard, Ed (WR), Rice...................... 1995 Howe, Glen (T), So Mississippi.......... 1985 86 Howell, Pat (G), USC.................... 1979 83 Hudlow, Floyd (CB/S), Arizona.......... 1967 68 Hudson, Chris (S), Colorado.................2001 Huff, Ben (DT), Michigan....................1999 Hughes, Bob (DE), Jackson St............ 1967 69 Humphrey, Claude (DE), Tenn. St... 1968 74, 76 78 Hunter, John (T), BYU....................1989 91 Hunter, Scott (QB), Alabama.............1976 78 Huntley, Kevin (DE), Kansas State........... 2007 Huntley, Richard (RB), Winston Salem.......1996 Hutchinson, Tom (WR), Kentucky............1966 I Irons, David (CB), Auburn............... 2007-08 J Jack, Eric (CB), New Mexico............. 1994 95 Jackson, Alfred (WR), Texas............. 1978 84 Jackson, Chevis (CB), LSU...............2008-09 Jackson, Ernie (CB), Duke................... 1978 Jackson, Grady (DT), Knoxville...........2006-08 Jackson, Jeff (LB), Auburn............... 1984 85 Jackson, Larron (G), Missouri.............1975 76 Jackson, Marlion (RB), Saginaw Valley St.... 2006 Jackson Robert (LB), Texas A&M............. 1982 Jackson, Tommy (DL), Auburn.............. 2006 Jackson, Tyoka (DL), Penn State..............1994 Jackson, Willie (WR), Florida............... 2002 James, John (P), Florida.................. 1972 81 James, Robert (LB), Arizona State........... 2009 Jamison, Brandon (LB), West Georgia....... 2006 Jarvis, Ray (WR), Norfolk St............... 1971 72 Jasper, Ed (DT), Texas A&M............. 1999 03 Jefferson, Jason (DT), Wisconsin........... 2008 Jefferson, Shawn (WR), Central Florida.. 2000 02 Jenke, Noel (LB), Minnesota................. 1972 Jenkins, Alfred (WR), Morris Brown.......1975 83 Jenkins, Michael (WR), Ohio State...... 2004 09 Jennings, Adam (WR), Fresno State......2006-08 Jerry, Peria (DT), Mississippi............... 2009 Jervey, Travis (RB), The Citadel.......... 2001 03 Jobko, Bill (LB), Ohio St......................1966 Johnson, Billy (WR), Widener........... 1982 87 Johnson, Derrick (CB), Washington......... 2006 Johnson, D.J. (CB), Kentucky............. 1994 96 Johnson, Doug (QB), Florida............ 2000 03 Johnson, Ellis (DL), Florida..............2002 03 Johnson, Eric (LB), Nebraska................ 2004 Johnson, Kenny (DB), Mississippi St...... 1980 86 Johnson, Norm (K) UCLA................1991 94 323 COMM. RELATIONS ADMINISTRATION COACHES 2009 REVIEW RECORDS & RESULTS
RECORDS & RESULTS 2009 REVIEW COACHES ADMINISTRATION COMM. RELATIONS Johnson, Randy (QB), Texas A&l......... 1966 70 Johnson, Rudy (RB), Nebraska...............1966 Johnson, Thomas (DT), Middle Tenn. St...... 2009 Johnson, Tracy (RB), Clemson............1990 91 Johnson, Undra (RB), W Virginia.............1989 Jones, Bob (WR), San Diego St...............1969 Jones, Bob (DB), Virginia Union...........1975 76 Jones, Derrick (DE), Grand Valley State...... 2007 Jones, Earl (DB), Norfolk St.............. 1980 83 Jones, Henry (S), Illinois.................... 2002 Jones, Jerry (DT), Bowling Green.............1966 Jones, Joey (WR), Alabama.................1986 Jones, June (QB), Portland St..............1977 79 Jones, Keith (RB), Illinois................ 1989 92 Jones, Tony (WR), Texas.................... 1992 Jordan, Antony (LB), Vanderbilt.......... 2000 01 Jordan, Brian (S), Richmond..............1989 91 K Kadela, Dave (T), Virginia Tech..............2001 Kanell, Danny (QB), Florida State........ 1999 00 Kay, Rick (LB), Colorado..................... 1977 Kelly, Jeff (LB), Kansas State............. 1999 02 Kelly, Reggie (TE), Miss. State........... 1999 02 Kelly, Todd (DE), Tennessee.................1996 Kendrick, Vince (RB), Florida............. 1974 75 Kenn, Mike (T), Michigan............... 1978 94 Kennedy, Lincoln (G/T), Washington..... 1993 95 Kerney, Patrick (DE), Virginia............ 1999 06 Kiewel, Jeff (G), Arizona................. 1985 87 Kinchen, Todd (WR), Louisiana State..... 1997 98 Kindle, Gregg (G), Tennessee St.............. 1976 King, Austin (C), Northwestern......... 2004 06 Kirouac, Lou (G/K), Boston College...... 1966 67 Kittner, Kurt (QB), Illinois................2002 03 Klein, Perry (QB), C.W. Post............. 1994 95 Knight, Leander (CB), Montclair St............1988 Knutson, Matt (OL), North Dakota.......... 2003 Koenen, Michael (P), W. Washington.....2005 09 Koeper, Rich (T), Oregon State...............1966 Komlo, Jeff (QB), Delaware.................. 1982 Kozlowski, Brian (TE), Connecticut....... 1997 03 Kramer, Erik (QB), N Carolina St.............. 1987 Kraynak, Rich (LB), Pittsburgh............... 1987 Krepfle, Keith (TE), Iowa St.................. 1982 Kuechenberg, Rudy (LB), Indiana............. 1971 Kunz, George (T), Notre Dame...........1969 74 Kupp, Jake (G), Washington................. 1967 Kuykendall, Fulton (LB), UCLA........... 1975 84 L Lake, Antwan (DE), West Virginia....... 2004 05 Lamb, Ron (RB), South Carolina.............. 1972 Landrum, Mike (TE), So Miss................1984 Lang, Gene (RB), LSU................... 1988 90 Laughlin, Jim (LB), Ohio St............ 1980 82,87 Lavalais, Chad (DT), LSU............... 2004 05 // ALL-TIME ALPHABETICAL ROSTER Lavan, Al (S), Colorado St. U............. 1969 70 Lawrence, Kent (WR), Georgia............... 1970 Lawrence, Rolland (DB), Tabor........... 1973 80 Layne, George (FB), TCU................ 2001 03 Leake, John (LB), Florida.................2005 06 Le Bel, Harper (TE), Col St................1991 96 Ledbetter, Monte (WR), NW Louisiana.......1969 Lee, Bob (WR), Minnesota..................1969 Lee, Bob (QB), Pacific....................1973 74 Lee, Danzell (TE), Lamar....................1988 Lee, Dwight (RB), Michigan St................1968 Lee, Ron (OL), Baylor....................... 1983 Leftwich, Byron (QB), Marshall............. 2007 Lehr, Matt (G), Virginia Tech.............2005 06 Lelie, Ashley (WR), Hawaii................. 2006 Lemmerman, Bruce (QB), San Fern. Val... 1968 69 Lester, Fred (FB), Alabama A&M............. 1997 Lens, Greg (DT), Trinity Texas............. 1970 71 Levenick, Dave (LB), Wisconsin.......... 1983 84 Lewis, John (WR), Oklahoma St............. 2003 Lewis, Mike (DT), Arkansas AM&N....... 1971 79 Lewis, Trey (NT), Washburn............. 2007-09 Linden, Errol (T), Houston............... 1966 68 Lofton, Curtis (LB), Oklahoma...........2008-09 Logan, Ernie (DE), East Carolina.............. 1993 Loneker, Keith (G), Kansas...................1996 Long, Bob (WR), Wichita State..............1968 Lothridge, Billy (P/S), Georgia Tech........ 1966 71 Loveall, Calvin (CB), Idaho...................1988 Lowe, Amare (S), Washington...........2005 06 Luckhurst, Mick (K), California............1981 87 Lyles, Robert (LB), TCU..................1990 91 Lyons, Mitch (TE), Michigan State....... 1993 96 M Mabra, Ron (DB), Howard................1975 76 Mack, Red (WR), Notre Dame...............1966 Mahelona, Jesse (DT), Tennessee........... 2007 Malancon, Rydell (LB), Louisiana State.......1984 Mallard, Josh (DE), Georgia.............2006-07 Mallory, John (S), West Virginia............. 1967 Malone, Art (RB), Arizona State..........1970 74 Mankins, Jim (RB), Florida State............. 1967 Manning, Rosie (T), NE Oklahoma........ 1972 75 Marchlewski, Frank (C), Minnesota...... 1966 68 Marshall, Randy (DE), Linfield............ 1970 71 Marshall, Rich (DT), Stephen F Austin........1966 Marshall, Whit (LB), Georgia................1999 Martin, Billy (TE), Georgia Tech.......... 1966 67 Martin, Charles (NT), Livingston.............1988 Martin, Tony (WR), Mesa............. 1998, 2001 Marx, Greg (DT), Notre Dame............... 1973 Mathis, Kevin (CB), Texas A&M Comm. 02 04, 06 Mathis, Terance (WR), New Mexico.......1994 01 Matlock, John (C), Miami................ 1970 71 Matthews, Al (TE), Vanderbilt........... 1983 85 Matthews, Aubrey (WR), Delta State..... 1986 88 324 A TLANTAFALCONS.COM
// ALL-TIME ALPHABETICAL ROSTER Matthews, Clay (LB), Southern Cal....... 1994 96 Matthews, Henry (RB), Michigan St.......... 1973 Maurer, Andy (G), Oregon................1970 73 Maxie, Brett (S), Texas Southern.............1994 Mayberry, James (RB), Colorado..........1979 81 Mazzetti, Tim (K), Pennsylvania.......... 1978 80 McBride, Tod (CB), UCLA.................. 2003 McBurrows, Gerald (S), Kansas.......... 1999 03 McCadam, Kevin (S), Virginia Tech.......2002 05 McCarthy, Brendan (RB), Boston Col.........1968 McCartney, Ron (LB), Tennessee..........1977 79 McCauley, Tom (S/WR), Wisconsin....... 1969 71 McClain, Dewey (LB), E Central Univ..... 1976 80 McClure, Todd (C), LSU................. 1999 09 McCord, Quentin (WR), Kentucky....... 2001 03 McCrary, Fred (FB), Mississippi St...... 2004 06 McCrary, Greg (TE), Clark................1975 77 McDaniels, Pellom (DE), Oregon State... 1999 00 McDermott, Gary (RB), Tulsa................1969 McDonald, Tommy (WR), Oklahoma......... 1967 McFadden, Paul (K), Youngstown State.......1989 McGee, Molly (RB), Rhode lsland............ 1974 McGill, Lenny (CB), Arizona State........ 1996 97 McGrew, Reggie (DT), Florida.............. 2002 Mclnnis, Hugh (TE), So Mississippi...........1966 McIntyre, Corey (FB), West Virginia......... 2007 Mclntyre, Secedrick (RB), Auburn............ 1977 McKinnely, Phil (T), UCLA.............. 1976 80 McKyer, Tim (CB), Tex Arlington......1991 92, 96 McMillon, Steve (CB) Wyoming.............1989 McQuilken, Kim (QB), Lehigh.............1974 77 Merrow, Jeff (DE), W Virginia............1975 83 Metcalf, Eric (WR/RB), Texas............ 1995 96 Meyers, Eddie (RB), Navy................... 1982 Mialik, Larry (TE), Wisconsin............. 1972 74 Miano, Rich (S), Hawaii..................... 1995 Middleton, Ron (TE), Auburn............ 1986 87 Mike Mayer, Nick (K), Temple............1973 77 Mikeska, Russ (TE), Texas A&M......... 1979 83 Millen, Hugh (QB), Washington.......... 1988 90 Miller, Brandon (DE), Georgia............... 2008 Miller, Brett (T), Iowa................... 1983 88 Miller, Chris (QB), Oregon................1987 92 Miller, Jim (QB), Michigan State............. 1997 Miller, Jim (G) Iowa................... 1971 72,74 Miller, Junior (TE), Nebraska............. 1980 83 Miller, Nate (OL), Louisiana State........ 1995 97 Milling, James (WR), Maryland...........1991 92 Mills, Shawn (WR), Southern Miss...........2001 Milloy, Lawyer (S), Washington..........2006-08 Milner, Martrez (TE), Georgia........... 2007-08 Mims, David (WR), Baylor............... 1993 94 Mitchell, Barry (DE), Idaho.................. 1997 Mitchell, Brian (CB), BYU.................1991 92 Mitchell, Ken (LB), UNLV.................1973 74 Mitchell, Jim (TE), Prairie View.......... 1969 79 Mitchell, Leonard (T), Houston.............. 1987 A TLANTAFALCONS.COM Mitchell, Roland (CB), Texas Tech............1990 Mohr, Chris (P), Alabama............... 2001 04 Monroe, Rod (TE), Cincinnati............ 1998 99 Montgomery, Alton (S), Houston........ 1993 95 Montgomery, Marv (T), USC................ 1978 Moore, Michael (G), Troy State............. 2003 Moore, Robert (S), Northwestern St...... 1986 89 Moore, Ron (DT), Northwest. Okla. St........2001 Moore, Tom (RB), Vanderbilt................ 1967 Moore, William (S), Missouri............... 2009 Moorehead, Kindal (DT), Alabama.......... 2008 Morgan, Dwayne (OL), Clemson............ 2003 Moriarty, Tom (S), Bowling Green...... 1977 79,81 Moroski, Mike (QB), Cal Davis.......... 1979 84 Morris, Larry (LB), Georgia Tech.............1966 Morton, Christian (CB), Illinois.......... 2004 05 Mraz, Mark (DE), Utah State................ 1987 Mughelli, Ovie (FB), Wake Forest........ 2007-09 Musser, Neal (LB), NC State..............1981 83 N Nagle, Browning (QB), Louisville......... 1995 96 Neal, Louis (WR), Prairie View............1973 74 Neil, Dallas (TE), Montana............. 2000, 02 Newman, Keith (LB), North Carolina........ 2003 Newton, Cam (S), Furman...............2005 06 Nicholas, Stephen (LB), South Florida.... 2007-09 Nobis, Tommy (LB), Texas............... 1966 76 Nofsinger, Terry (QB), Utah.................. 1967 Norton, Jim (DT/DE), Washington....... 1967 68 Norwood, Jerious (RB), Mississippi.......2006-09 Norwood, Ralph (OT), LSU..................1989 O Odomes, Nate (CB), Wisconsin..............1996 Ogden, Ray (TE), Alabama.............. 1967 68 Ogden, Ray (TE), Alabama.............. 1967 68 Ojinnaka, Quinn (T), Syracuse...........2006-09 Oliver, Winslow (RB), New Mexico....... 1999 00 Omiyale, Frank (T), Tennessee Tech......... 2006 O Neal, Matt (C), Oklahoma................ 2000 Ortega, Ralph (LB), Florida...............1975 78 Oswald, Paul (G), Kansas....................1988 Overstreet, Will (LB), Tennessee.........2002 03 Owens, Christopher (CB) San Jose State..... 2009 Owens, Dan (DT), Southern California.... 1996 97 Oxendine, Ken (RB), Virginia Tech........ 1998 99 P Pahukoa, Jeff (G/T), Washington........ 1995 96 Palmer, Dick (LB), Kentucky................. 1974 Paterra, Greg (RB), Slippery Rock.............1989 Pathon, Jerome (WR), Washington.......... 2005 Patton, Ricky (RB), Jackson St................ 1978 Paulk, Jeff (FB), Arizona St...................1999 Pearson, Dennis (WR), San Diego St.......1978 79 Peelle, Justin (TE), Oregon..............2008-09 325 COMM. RELATIONS ADMINISTRATION COACHES 2009 REVIEW RECORDS & RESULTS
RECORDS & RESULTS 2009 REVIEW COACHES ADMINISTRATION COMM. RELATIONS Pellegrini, Joe (C), Harvard.............. 1984 86 Pegram, Erric (RB), N Tex St...............1991 94 Pennington, Terrance (OT), New Mexico..... 2007 Pennywell, Robert (LB), Grambling....... 1977 80 Peprah, Charlie (S), Alabama............... 2009 Perko, Mike (DT), Utah St.................... 1982 Peterson, Mike (LB), Florida................ 2009 Peterson, Todd (K), Georgia................ 2005 Phillips, Anthony (CB), Tex. A&M Kingsv.. 1994 96 Phillips, Jason (WR) Houston.............1991 93 Phillips, Ray (LB), North Carolina St...........1986 Philyaw, Mareno (WR), Troy State........ 2000 01 Pickens, Bruce (CB), Nebraska............... 1992 Pilgrim, Evan (G/C), BYU................ 1999 00 Pillers, Lawrence (DT), Alcorn State.......... 1985 Pinner, Artose (RB), Kentucky............... 2007 Pittman, Bryan (LS), Washington............ 2009 Pitts, Mike (DE), Alabama............... 1983 86 Pleasant, Anthony (DE), Tennessee St........ 1997 Pleasant, Reggie (DB), Clemson.............. 1985 Plummer, Tony (S), Pacific................ 1971 73 Poage, Ray (TE), Texas...................... 1971 Pollard, Marcus (TE), Bradley............... 2008 Portilla, Jose (T), Arizona................ 1998 99 Prater, Matt (K), Central Florida............. 2007 Preston, Roell (WR), Mississippi......... 1995 96 Price, Peerless (WR), Tennessee........ 2003 04 Pridemore, Tom (S), West Virginia....... 1978 85 Primus, James (RB), UCLA.............. 1988 89 Pringle, Mike (RB), Cal State Fullerton........1990 Pritchard, Mike (WR), Colorado.......... 1992 93 Pritchett, Billy Ray (RB), W. Texas St.......1976 77 Pritchett, Stanley (FB), South Carolina....... 2004 Pritchett, Wes (LB), Notre Dame............. 1991 Profit, Joe (RB), NE Louisiana............. 1971 73 Provence, Andrew (DT), S Carolina....... 1983 87 Pruitt, Etric (S), Southern Miss.............. 2004 Q Quarterman, Kurt (OL), Louisville........... 2007 R Rackley, Derek (TE), Minnesota......... 2000 05 Rade, John (LB), Boise St................. 1983 92 Rader, Jason (TE), Marshall..............2008-09 Radloff, Wayne (C), Georgia............. 1986 89 Rassas, Nick (S), Notre Dame............ 1966 68 Ray, Eddie (RB), LSU..................... 1972 74 Ray, Terry (S), Oklahoma.................... 1992 Reaves, Ken (CB), Norfolk St..............1966 73 Rector, Ron (RB), Northwestern.......... 1966 67 Redding, Reggie (T), Cal St. Ful.............. 1991 Redman, Chris (QB), Louisville........... 2007-09 Redmon, Anthony (G), Auburn............. 2000 Redmond, Rudy (CB), Pacific............. 1969 71 Reed, Frank (DB), Washington........... 1976 80 Reed, Oscar (RB), Colorado State............ 1975 // ALL-TIME ALPHABETICAL ROSTER Reese, Ike (LB), Michigan State..........2005 06 Reid, Michael (LB), Wisconsin............1987 92 Reese, Guy (DT), SMU......................1966 Renfroe, Gilbert (QB), Tenn St................1990 Reynolds, Garrett (OT), North Carolina...... 2009 Richards, Bobby (DE), LSU.............. 1966 67 Richards, Dave (G), UCLA............... 1994 96 Richardson, Al (LB), Georgia Tech........ 1980 85 Richardson, Jerry (CB/S), W Texas St..... 1966 67 Richardson, Wally (QB), Penn St..............1999 Riddick, Louis (S), Pittsburgh............ 1992, 96 Ridlehuber, Preston (RB), Georgia............1966 Riggle, Bob (S), Penn State.............. 1966 67 Riggs, Gerald (RB), Arizona St............ 1982 88 Riley, Karon (LB), Minnesota.............2002 04 Rison, Andre (WR), Mich St.............. 1990 94 Ritcher, Jim (G), North Carolina St........ 1994 95 Rivers, Ron (RB), Fresno State............... 2000 Roberts, Gary (G), Purdue................... 1970 Roberts, George (P), Virginia Tech............ 1982 Roberts, Guy (LB), Maryland................ 1976 Robertson, Jamal (RB), Ohio Northern....... 2006 Robinson, Bo (RB), W Texas St............1981 83 Robinson, Eugene (S), Colgate........... 1998 99 Robinson, Laurent (WR), Illinois State.... 2007-08 Robison, Tommy (G), Texas A&M............1989 Robinson, Travaris (S), Auburn.............. 2003 Rogers, Doug (DE), Stanford................. 1982 Rogers, Joe (WR), Texas Southern............1994 Rogers, Sam (LB), Colorado..............2002 03 Romberg, Brett (C), Miami (Fla.)............ 2009 Roques, Burnell (WR), Claremont............1996 Ross, Derek (CB), Ohio State............... 2003 Ross, Kevin (CB), Temple................ 1994 95 Rossum, Allen (PR/KR/CB), Notre Dame.2002 06 Rozier, Mike (RB), Nebraska..............1990 91 Rubke, Karl (DT), USC.................. 1966 67 Ruether, Mike (C), Texas................ 1990 93 Rushing, Marion (LB), So Illinois......... 1966 68 Russ, Carl (LB), Michigan.................... 1975 Russell, Twan (LB), Miami.................. 2003 Ryan, Matt (QB), Boston College.........2008-09 Ryckman, Billy (WR), Louisiana Tech......1977 79 Ryczek, Paul (C), Virginia.................1974 79 S Sabatino, Bill (DT), Colorado.................1969 Sadowski, Troy (TE), Georgia................1990 Saffer, Michael (OL), UCLA................. 2003 Salaam, Ephraim (T), San Diego St.........1998 01 Sandeman, Bill (T), Pacific................ 1967 73 Sanders, Bob (LB), N Texas St................ 1967 Sanders, Deion (CB), Florida St........... 1989 93 Sanders, Eric (T), Nevada Reno...........1981 86 Sanders, Lewis (CB), Maryland.............. 2007 Sanders, Ricky (WR), SW Texas St........ 1994 95 Santiago, O.J. (TE), Kent State........... 1997 99 326 A TLANTAFALCONS.COM
// ALL-TIME ALPHABETICAL ROSTER Sauer, Craig (LB), Minnesota............ 1996 99 Saxton, Brian (TE), Boston College........... 1997 Scales, Charlie (RB), Indiana.................1966 Schmidt, Roy (G/T), Long Beach St...........1969 Schaub, Matt (QB), Virginia............. 2004 06 Schneck, Mike (LS), Wisconsin.......... 2007-09 Schonert, Turk (QB), Stanford................1986 Schreiber, Adam (C/G), Texas........... 1997 99 Schulters, Lance (S), Hofstra................ 2006 Scott, Bryan (S), Penn State..............2003 05 Scott, Dave (T), Kansas................. 1976 82 Scott, Freddie (WR), Penn State..............1996 Scully, John (C), Notre Dame.............1981 90 Seay, Virgil (WR), Troy St....................1984 Settle, John (RB), Appalachian........... 1987 90 Shabazz, Siddeeq (S), New Mexico State 2003 04 Shaffer, Kevin (T), Tulsa.................2002 05 Sharp, Dan (TE), Texas Christian............. 1987 Sharpe, Glenn (CB), Miami (Fla.)............ 2008 Shay, Jerry (DT), Purdue................ 1968 69 Shears, Larry (CB), Lincoln, Mo.............. 1971 Shelley, Elbert (S), Arkansas State........ 1987 96 Sherlag, Bob (WR), Memphis St..............1966 Shiner, Dick (QB), Maryland.............. 1971 73 Shivers, Wes (T), Mississippi St............. 2000 Shockley, D.J. (QB), Georgia.............2006-08 Shropshire, Darrell (DT), South Carolina..2005 06 Sidbury, Lawrence (DE), Richmond.......... 2009 Sidle, Jimmy (TE/RB), Auburn...............1966 Sieminski, Chuck (DT), Penn State....... 1966 67 Silvestri, Carl (CB S), Wisconsin.............1966 Simeta, Mike (DT), Kansas St................ 1983 Simoneau, Mark (LB), Kansas St......... 2000 02 Simmons, Jerry (WR), Bethune Cookman. 1967 69 Simon, Jim (G/T), Miami................ 1966 68 Sims, Joe (T), Nebraska..................... 1991 Sloan, Steve (QB), Alabama............. 1966 67 Small, Gerald (CB), San Jose St...............1984 Small, John (DT), Citadel.................1970 72 Smigelsky, Dave (P), Virginia Tech............ 1982 Smith, Brady (DE), Colorado St......... 2000 05 Smith, Chuck (DE), Tennessee........... 1992 99 Smith, Don (DE), Miami................. 1979 84 Smith, Ed (TE), no college............... 1997 98 Smith, Maurice (RB), North Car. A&T.... 2000 02 Smith, Mike (WR), Grambling...............1980 Smith, Ralph (TE), Mississippi...............1969 Smith, Reggie (WR), NC Central..........1980 81 Smith, Ron (CB/WR), Wisconsin......... 1966 67 Smith, Royce (G), Georgia................1974 76 Smith, Tony (RB), Southern Miss......... 1992 94 Smith, Vinson (LB), E Carolina...............1988 Snelling, Jason (RB), Virginia............. 2007-09 Snider, Malcolm (G), Stanford............ 1969 71 Snyder, Todd (WR), Ohio U...............1970 72 Sobocinski, Phil (C), Wisconsin..............1968 Solomon, Jesse (LB), Florida St............... 1992 A TLANTAFALCONS.COM Spencer, Darryl (WR), Miami Fla........ 1994 95 Spiller, Phil (S), Cal State LA.................1968 Spiva, Andy (LB), Tennessee................. 1977 Spivey, Mike (CB), Colorado................. 1982 Stamps, Sylvester (WR), Jackson St...... 1984 88 Stanback, Haskel (RB), Tennessee.........1974 79 Stanciel, Jeff (RB), Miss Valley...............1969 Stanley, Montavious (DT), Louisville......... 2007 Stecker, Aaron (RB), Western Illinois........ 2009 Steinfort, Fred (PK), Boston College.......1977 78 Stepanovich, Alex (C), Ohio State........... 2008 Stewart, Matt (LB), Vanderbilt........... 2001 04 Stewart, Steve (LB), Minnesota.............. 1978 Still, Bryan (WR), Virginia Tech..............1999 Stinson, Lemuel (CB), Texas Tech............ 1993 Stokes, Barry (T), Eastern Michigan......... 2005 Stone, Daren (S), Maine.................... 2007 Strahan, Art (DT), Texas Southern............1968 Strong, Ray (RB), Nevada/Las Vegas..... 1978 82 Stutz, Boone (TE/LS) Texas A&M........2006-07 Stryzinski, Dan (P), Indiana.............. 1995 00 Styles, Lorenzo (LB), Ohio State.......... 1995 96 Suchy, Larry (CB), Mississippi College........1968 Sullivan, Jim (DE), Lincoln, MO.............. 1970 Sullivan, Pat (QB), Auburn................ 1972 75 Sutter, Eddie (LB), Northwestern............. 1997 Svitek, Will (OT), Stanford.................. 2009 Swayda, Shawn (DE), Arizona State.......1998 01 Szczecko, Joe (DT), Northwestern........ 1966 68 T Talbert, Don (T), Texas.................. 1966 68 Talley, Ben (LB), Tennessee..................1998 Talley, Darryl (LB), West Virginia............. 1995 Tate, Rodney (RB), Texas....................1984 Taylor, Henry (DT), South Carolina.......... 2000 Taylor, Johnnie (LB), Hawaii............. 1984 86 Taylor, Malcom (DE), Tennessee St...........1989 Taylor, Terry (CB), Southern Illinois........... 1995 Taylor, Tony (LB), Georgia.................. 2007 Teague, Matthew (DE), Prairie View.......... 1981 Ten Napel, Garth (LB), Texas A&M........... 1978 Thaxton, Galand (LB), Wyoming.............1989 Thibodeaux, Keith (CB), N.W. Louisiana.......1999 Thielemann, RC (G), Arkansas........... 1977 84 Thierry, John (LB), Alcorn St................ 2002 Thomas, Ben (DE), Auburn..................1989 Thomas, Chuck (G), Oklahoma.............. 1985 Thomas, George (WR), Nev. Las Vegas.. 1989 92 Thomas, Rodney (RB), Texas A&M............2001 Thomas, Sean (DB), TCU.................... 1985 Thompson, Michael (T), Tennessee St.... 2000 02 Thompson, Woody (RB), Miami..........1975 77 Thornal, Kevin (WR), S. Methodist........... 1997 Tilleman, Mike (DT), Montana............1973 76 Tinker, Gerald (WR), Kent State........... 1974 75 Tippins, Ken (LB), MTSU................ 1990 95 327 COMM. RELATIONS ADMINISTRATION COACHES 2009 REVIEW RECORDS & RESULTS
RECORDS & RESULTS 2009 REVIEW COACHES ADMINISTRATION COMM. RELATIONS Tobeck, Robbie (C), Washington St....... 1993 99 Togiai, Jerry (DL), Kansas St................. 2002 Tolleson, Tommy (WR), Alabama............1966 Tolliver, Billy Joe (QB), Texas Tech. 1991 93, 96 97 Toloumu, David (RB), Hawaii................ 1982 Torrence, Leigh (CB), Stanford.............. 2005 Traynham, Wade (K), Frederick.......... 1966 67 Tuaolo, Esera (DT), Oregon State............1998 Tuggle, Jessie (LB), Valdosta State....... 1987 00 Turnbull, Nick (DS), Florida International..... 2006 Turner, Jimmy (CB), UCLA............... 1986 87 Turner, Michael (RB), Northern Illinois....2008-09 Tutson, Tom (DB), SC State.................. 1983 Tuttle, Perry (WR), Clemson.................1984 Tyner, Scott (P), Oklahoma State.............1994 Tyrrell, Tim (RB), No. Illinois............. 1984 86 U Ulmer, Artie (LB), Valdosta State......... 2001 05 V Van Note, Jeff (C), Kentucky............. 1969 86 Vaughn, Darrick (CB/Ret), Southwest Tex. 2000 01 Vaughn, Khaleed (DE), Clemson............. 2004 Veal, Demetrin (DT)....................... 2003 Verdin, Clarence (KR), SW Louisiana.........1994 Vick, Michael (QB), Virginia Tech........ 2001 06 Vinson, Tony (RB), Towson State............. 1995 Vinyard, Kenny (K), Texas Tech.............. 1970 W Wages, Harmon (RB), Florida.......... 1968 71,73 Wagoner, Danny (DB), Kansas............... 1985 Walker, Chuck (DT), Duke................ 1972 75 Walker, Cleo (LB), Louisville................. 1971 Walker, Darnell (CB), Oklahoma......... 1993 96 Walker, Vance (DT), Georgia Tech........... 2009 Wallace, Anthony (RB), California............ 1993 Warwick, Lonnie (LB), Tenn Tech..........1973 74 Washington, Charles (S), Cameron....... 1992 94 Washington, Joe (RB), Oklahoma............ 1985 Washington, Joe (RB), Illinois St.............. 1973 Washington, Ronnie (LB), NE Louisiana St..... 1985 Waskiewicz, Jim (C), Wichita St.............1969 Watson, Ryan (DL), Appalchian St........... 2002 Weary, Fred (CB), Florida................... 2002 Weatherford, Jim (S), Tennessee.............1969 Weatherley, Jim (C), None.................. 1976 Webster, Jason (CB), Texas A&M........ 2004 06 Weems, Eric (WR), Bethune-Cookman... 2007-09 Weiner, Todd (T), Kansas St..............2002 08 West, Ed (TE), Auburn...................... 1997 Wheelwright, Ernie (RB), So. Illinois...... 1966 67 Whisenhunt, Ken (TE), Georgia Tech..... 1985 88 White, Chris (DE), Southern................ 2000 White, Dez (WR), Georgia Tech........ 2004 05 White, Lyman (LB), LSU..................1981 82 // ALL-TIME ALPHABETICAL ROSTER White, Roddy (WR), UAB...............2005 09 White, William (S), Ohio State........... 1997 98 Whitfield, Bob (OT), Stanford............ 1992 03 Whitlow, Bob (C), Arizona...................1966 Widell, Dave (G), Boston College............1998 Wiley, Chuck (DE), LSU................. 2000 01 Wilkerson, Ben (C), LSU................. 2007-08 Wilkes, Reggie (LB), Georgia Tech........ 1986 87 Wilkins, Gary (TE), Georgia Tech..........1988 91 Wilkins, Marcus (LB), Texas................ 2007 Williams, Brandon (CB), Michigan.......... 2003 Williams, Brian (CB), North Carolina State... 2009 Williams, Clay (T), Indiana..................1996 Williams, Demorrio (LB), Nebraska......2004 07 Williams, Elijah (CB), Florida..............1998 01 Williams, Gene (G/T), Iowa State........ 1996 99 Williams, Jimmy (CB), Virginia Tech......2006-07 Williams, Joel (LB), Wis/LaCrosse 1979 82, 86 89 Williams, Keith (RB), SW Missouri...........1986 Williams, Richard (RB) Memphis St........... 1983 Williams, Sam (DE), Michigan State...... 1966 67 Williams, Thomas (DE), Wyoming...........1994 Williams, Travis (LB), Auburn............... 2007 Williams, Tyrone (CB), Nebraska............ 2003 Willig, Matt (T/G), Southern California... 1996 97 Willis, Mitch (DT), SMU....................1988 Wilson, Brenard (S), Vanderbilt.............. 1987 Wilson, Jim (C), Georgia.................... 1967 Wilson, John Parker (QB), Alabama......... 2009 Wilson, Wade (QB), East Texas St............ 1992 Wimberly, Marcus (S), Miami............... 1997 Windauer, Bill (DT), Iowa.................... 1976 Winkler, Randy (G), Tarleton St...............1968 Wire, Coy (LB), Stanford................2008-09 Woerner, Scott (S), Georgia................. 1981 Wolski, Bill (RB), Notre Dame................1966 Wood, Bo (DE), North Carolina.............. 1967 Woodberry, Dennis (CB), S. Arkansas........1986 Wright, James (TE), Texas Christian.......1978 79 Wright, John (WR), Illinois..................1968 Wright, Nate (S), San Diego St...............1969 Y Yarno, George (C/G), Wash St...............1988 Yeates, Jeff (DT), Boston College......... 1976 84 Young, Ben (TE), UT Arlington............... 1983 Youngblood, Kevin (WR), Clemson.......... 2006 Z Zackery, Tony (DB), Washington.............1989 Zandofsky, Mike (G), Washington........ 1994 96 Zele, Mike (DT), Kent................... 1979 83 Zelenka, Joe (LS), Wake Forest.............. 2009 Zgonina, Jeff (DT), Purdue...................1996 Zinger, Keith (TE), LSU..................... 2009 Zook, John (DE), Kansas.................1969 75 328 A TLANTAFALCONS.COM
// RECENT MAJOR TRADES 2010 Traded its 2010 second round pick to Kansas City IN EXCHANGE FOR TE Tony Gonzalez. 2010 Traded its 2010 seventh round pick to St. Louis IN EXCHANGE FOR CB Tye Hill. 2009 Traded WR Laurent Robinson, fifth round (160 th overall) and sixth round (196 th overall) picks to St. Louis IN EXCHANGE FOR its fifth round (138 th overall) and sixth round (176 th overall) picks 2008 Traded seventh round pick to Denver IN EXCHANGE FOR CB Domonique Foxworth. 2007 Traded QB Matt Schaub to Houston IN EXCHANGE FOR undisclosed draft picks from Texans. 2006 Traded first round pick (15 th overall) to Denver IN EXCHANGE FOR Broncos first round pick (29 th overall), third round pick (93 rd overall) and 2007 seventh round pick. Falcons trade first round pick from Denver to New York Jets for DE John Abraham. Traded fourth round pick to Cleveland IN EXCHANGE FOR S Chris Crocker. Traded unconditional draft choice in 2007 and S Bryan Scott to New Orleans IN EXCHANGE FOR T Wayne Gandy. 2004 Traded second round pick (38 th overall), third round pick (69 th overall) and fourth round pick (125 th overall) in 2004 to Indianapolis IN EXCHANGE FOR Indianapolis first round pick (29 th overall) and third round pick (90 th overall) in 2004. 2004 Traded sixth round pick (174 th overall) to Miami IN EXCHANGE FOR Miami s sixth round pick (186 th overall) and seventh round pick (219 th overall) in 2004. 2003 Traded T Michael Thompson to Seattle IN EXCHANGE FOR a conditional draft pick in 2004. 2003 Traded first-round pick (23 rd overall) in 2003 to Buffalo IN EXCHANGE FOR WR Peerless Price. 2003 Traded LB Mark Simoneau to Philadelphia IN EXCHANGE FOR Philadelphia s sixth-round pick (202 nd overall, DB Waine Bacon) in 2003. A TLANTAFALCONS.COM 2002 Traded conditional draft pick in 2004 to San Diego IN EXCHANGE FOR WR Trevor Gaylor. 2002 Traded first-round pick (17 th overall) to Oakland IN EXCHANGE FOR Oakland s first-round (18 th overall, RB T.J. Duckett) and fifth-round (158 th overall, QB Kurt Kittner) picks. 2002 Traded third-round pick in 2003 to Houston IN EXCHANGE FOR Houston s fourth-round pick (116 th overall, OL Martin Bibla) in 2002. 2001 Traded first- (fifth overall) and third-round picks in 2001, second-round pick in 2002 and WR Tim Dwight to San Diego IN EXCHANGE FOR San Diego s first round pick in 2001 (No. 1 overall, QB Michael Vick). 2001 Traded seventh-round pick in 2001 to Tampa Bay IN EXCHANGE FOR QB Eric Zeier. 2000 Traded TE O.J. Santiago to Dallas IN EXCHANGE FOR Dallas fourth-round pick in 2001 (102 nd overall, LB Matt Stewart). 1999 Traded first-round pick in 2000 to Baltimore IN EXCHANGE FOR Baltimore s second-round pick in 1999 (42 nd overall, TE Reggie Kelly). 1997 Traded first- (third overall) and third-round (63 rd overall) picks in 1997 to Seattle IN EXCHANGE FOR Seattle s first- (11 th overall, CB Michael Booker), second (41 st overall, RB Byron Hanspard), third- (70 th overall, TE O.J. Santiago) and fourth-round (100 th overall, LB Henri Crockett) picks. 1997 Traded fifth-round pick (140 th overall) in 1997, which was obtained from Oakland for Lincoln Kennedy, to Washington IN EXCHANGE FOR Washington s sixth- (180 th overall, C Calvin Collins) and seventhround (222 nd overall, S Chris Bayne) picks. 1997 Traded fourth- (98 th overall) and sixth-round (165 th overall) picks to Houston IN EXCHANGE FOR QB Chris Chandler. 1996 Traded second-round pick (48 th overall) to Oakland IN EXCHANGE FOR S Patrick Bates. 329 COMM. RELATIONS ADMINISTRATION COACHES 2009 REVIEW RECORDS & RESULTS
RECORDS & RESULTS 2009 REVIEW COACHES ADMINISTRATION COMM. RELATIONS 1996 Traded S Roger Harper to Dallas IN EXCHANGE FOR Dallas fourth- (127 th overall, CB Juran Bolden) and fifth-round (164 th overall, DE Gary Bandy) picks. 1996 Traded fifth-round pick in 1996 to Baltimore IN EXCHANGE FOR G Gene Williams. 1995 Traded first-round pick (10 th overall) to Cleveland IN EXCHANGE FOR WR Eric Metcalf and Cleveland first-round pick (26 th overall, S Devin Bush). 1994 Traded first and third-round picks in 1994, and firstround pick in 1995 to Indianapolis IN EXCHANGE FOR QB Jeff George. 1994 Traded second-round pick in 1994 and first-round pick in 1995 to Minnesota IN IN EXCHANGE FOR DE Chris Doleman and second-round pick (WR Bert Emmanuel). 1993 Traded WR Mike Pritchard and seventh-round pick to Denver IN EXCHANGE FOR Denver s first-round pick in 1995 (traded for Chris Doleman) and its third-round pick in 1994 (Alai Kalanuvalu). 1993 Traded WR James Milling to Green Bay IN EXCHANGE FOR DE Lester Archambeau. 1992 Traded DT Tony Casillas to Dallas IN EXCHANGE FOR Dallas second- (DE Chuck Smith) and eighthround (TE Reggie Dwight) picks. 1992 Traded QB Brett Favre to Green Bay IN EXCHANGE FOR Green Bay s first-round pick in 1992 (17 th overall, RB Tony Smith). 1991 Traded third-round pick to Miami IN EXCHANGE FOR CB Tim McKyer. 1990 Traded first- and fourth-round picks to Indianapolis IN EXCHANGE FOR WR Andre Rison, T Chris Hinton, and Indianapolis first- (WR Mike Pritchard) and fifth-round (T Reggie Redding) picks in 1991. // RECENT MAJOR TRADES 1989 Traded RB Gerald Riggs to Washington IN EXCHANGE FOR Washington s first-round pick (20 th overall, RB Steve Broussard) in 1990 and its second-round pick (T Ralph Norwood) in 1989. 1985 Traded second-round pick (33 rd overall) in 1985 and second-round pick (30 th overall) in 1986 to Washington IN EXCHANGE FOR Washington s firstround pick (17 th overall, T Bill Fralic) in 1986 and its second-round pick (45 th overall) in 1985. 1985 Traded first- and third-round picks in 1985 to Minnesota IN EXCHANGE FOR Minnesota s firstround pick (second overall, T Bill Fralic) in 1985. 1975 Traded T George Kunz and first-round pick (third overall) in 1975 to Baltimore IN EXCHANGE FOR Baltimore s first- (Steve Bartkowski) and sixthround (Fulton Kuykendall) picks in 1975. 1974 Traded first-round pick (17 th overall) and QB Bob Berry to Minnesota IN EXCHANGE FOR QB Bob Lee and LB Lonnie Warwick. 1973 Traded first-round pick to Houston IN EXCHANGE FOR DT Mike Tilleman. 1972 Traded LB Malcolm Snider to Green Bay IN EXCHANGE FOR RB Dave Hampton. 1967 Traded first-round pick (third overall) to San Francisco IN EXCHANGE FOR WR Bernie Casey, T Jim Wilson and DE Jim Norton. 1989 Traded second-, fourth- and 10 th -round picks to Cincinnati IN EXCHANGE FOR Cincinnati s firstround pick (27 th overall, WR Shawn Collins). 330 A TLANTAFALCONS.COM
// OF THE YEAR 1966 Tommy Nobis, LB 1967 Junior Coffey, RB 1968 Tommy Nobis, LB 1969 Jim Butler, RB 1970 Jim Mitchell, TE 1971 Don Hansen, LB 1972 Dave Hampton, RB 1973 Bob Lee, QB 1974 Ray Brown, S 1975 Dave Hampton, RB 1976 Claude Humphrey, DE 1977 Rolland Lawrence, DB 1978 Greg Brezina, LB 1985 Gerald Riggs, RB 1986 Bill Fralic, OG 1987 Bill Fralic, OG 1988 John Settle, RB 1989 Chris Miller, QB 1990 Andre Rison, WR 1991 Deion Sanders, CB 1992 Deion Sanders, CB/KR 1993 Andre Rison, WR 1994 Terance Mathis, WR 1995 Morten Andersen, K 1996 Jamal Anderson, RB 1997 Jessie Tuggle, LB 1998 Jamal Anderson, RB 1999 Terance Mathis, WR 2000 Ray Buchanan, CB 2001 Keith Brooking, LB 2002 Michael Vick, QB 2003 Alge Crumpler, TE 2004 Patrick Kerney, DE 2005 Warrick Dunn, RB 2006 Alge Crumpler, TE 2007 Roddy White, WR 2008 Michael Turner, RB 2009 Tony Gonzalez, TE COMM. RELATIONS ADMINISTRATION COACHES 1979 Wallace Francis, WR 1980 Steve Bartkowski, QB 1981 William Andrews, RB 1982 Fulton Kuykendall, LB 1983 William Andrews, RB 1984 Gerald Riggs, RB A TLANTAFALCONS.COM WR RODDY WHITE 331 2009 REVIEW RECORDS & RESULTS
RECORDS & RESULTS 2009 REVIEW COACHES ADMINISTRATION COMM. RELATIONS 1967 Tommy Nobis, LB (AP, 1 st team) 1971 Claude Humphrey, DE (NEA, 1 st team) 1972 Claude Humphrey, DE (AP, Pro Football Weekly, Football News, NEA, Football Digest, PFWA, 1 st teams) 1973 Claude Humphrey, DE (AP, Pro Football Weekly, PFWA, Football News, Computer Kickoff, 1 st teams) Nick Mick-Mayer, K (Pro Football 1972 Weekly, 1 st team) Mike Tilleman, DT (National Star News Service, 1 st team) 1974 Claude Humphrey, DE (NEA, 1 st team) Rolland Lawrence, DB (AP, PFWA, 1 st teams) 1980 Mike Kenn, OT (AP, PFWA, NEA, 1 st teams) 1981 Alfred Jenkins, WR (AP, PFWA, 1 st teams) 1982 R.C. Thielemann, OG (AP, CPFNW, 1 st team) Mike Kenn, OT (CPFNW, 1 st team;ap, NEA, 2 nd team) William Andrews, RB (AP, 2 nd team) Jeff Van Note, C (AP, 2 nd team), Joel Williams, LB (AP, 2 nd team) 1983 William Andrews, RB (NEA, TSN, Football Digest 1 st teams; CPFNW, 2 nd team) Billy Johnson, PR (Pro Football Weekly, TSN, CPFNW, PFWA, Football Digest 1 st teams; AP 2 nd team) Mike Kenn, T (Pro Football Weekly, 1 st team; AP, CPFNW, 2 nd teams) 1986 Bill Fralic, G (AP, NEA, Pro Football Weekly, Sporting News, 1 st team) 1987 Bill Fralic, G (AP, NEA, PFWA, Sporting News, 1 st team) Sylvester Stamps, KR (Sporting News) 1988 Bill Fralic, G (Coll. & Pro FB Newsweekly, 1 st team; AP, 2 nd team) Scott Case, CB (AP, 2 nd team) John Settle, RB (Sports lllustrated) 1989 Tony Casillas, DT (AP, 2 nd team) Bill Fralic, G (AP, 2 nd team) 1990 Andre Rison, WR (AP, 1 st team) 1991 Mike Kenn, T (AP, 1 st team) Andre Rison, WR (AP, 2 nd team) Deion Sanders, CB (AP, 2 nd team) Jessie Tuggle, LB (Sl) 1992 Deion Sanders, CB (AP, 1 st team, returner, AP, 2 nd team, CB) Andre Rison, WR (AP, 2 nd team) 1993 Deion Sanders, CB (AP, 1 st team, CB) Chris Hinton, T (AP 1 st team) Andre Rison, WR (AP, 2 nd team) Norm Johnson, K (AP, 2 nd team) 1994 Terance Mathis, WR (AP, 2 nd team) 1995 Morten Andersen, K (AP, 1 st team) // ALL-PRO 1998 Jamal Anderson, RB (AP, 1 st team; Pro Football Weekly, 1 st team), Jessie Tuggle, LB (AP, 2 nd team), Ray Buchanan, CB (AP, 2 nd team) 2000 Darrick Vaughn, CB/KR (AP, 2 nd team; College & Pro Football Weekly, 2 nd team) 2002 Keith Brooking, LB (College & Pro Football Weekly, 1 st team; Football Digest, 1 st team; AP, 2 nd team) 2004 Keith Brooking, LB (College & Pro Football Weekly, 2 nd team; Football Digest, 1 st team; AP, 2 nd team) Alge Crumpler, TE (Football Digest, 2 nd team), Patrick Kerney (College & Pro Football Weekly, Football Digest, Associated Press, 2 nd team) 2005 Rod Coleman, DT (Pro Football Weekly, 1 st team; PFWA, 1 st team; AP, 2 nd team) 2008 Michael Turner, RB (AP, 1 st team; PFWA, 1 st team; Sporting News, 1 st team) John Abraham, DE (PFWA, 1 st team; AP, 2 nd team) 332 A TLANTAFALCONS.COM
// ALL-NFC 1970 Claude Humphrey, DE (UPl, 1 st team) 1971 Claude Humphrey, DE (UPl, 1 st team), Claude Humphrey, DE (UPl, AP, TSN, Football Digest, Football News, 1 st teams), John James, P (Pro Football Weekly, Football Digest, 1 st teams), Dennis Havig, OG (UPl, Football Digest, 1 st team) 1973 Claude Humphrey, DE (UPl, AP, TSN, Pro Football Weekly, 1 st teams), George Kunz, OT (UPl, Pro Football Weekly, 1 st teams), Nick Mike-Mayer, K (TSN, Pro Football Weekly, AP, 1 st teams) 1977 John James, P (TSN, 1 st team), Rolland Lawrence, DB (UPl, 1 st team) 1980 Mike Kenn, OT (UPl, 1 st team), Jeff Van Note, C (UPl, 1 st team) 1981 Mike Kenn, OT (UPl, 1 st team) 1982 Mike Kenn, OT (UPl, 1 st team), R.C. Thielemann, OG (UPl, 1 st team), William Andrews, RB (UPl, 1 st team) 1983 Mike Kenn, T (Pro Football Weekly, 1 st team; UPl 2 nd team), Billy Johnson, PR (Pro Football Weekly, 1 st team), R.C. Thielemann, G (UPl, 2 nd team) 1984 Mike Kenn, T (UPl, 2 nd team), Gerald Riggs, RB (UPl, 2 nd team) 1990 Andre Rison, WR (UPl, 1 st team) 1991 Mike Kenn, T (UPl), Jessie Tuggle, LB (UPI), Deion Sanders, CB (UPl) 1993 Norm Johnson, K (UPI), Chris Hinton, T (UPI), Deion Sanders, CB (UPI) 1994 Terance Mathis, WR (UPI, 2 nd team), Jessie Tuggle, LB (UPI, 2 nd team) 1995 Morten Andersen, K (UPI, 1 st team) 1996 Bob Whitfield, T (UPI, 2 nd team) 1997 Chuck Smith, DE (Pro Football Weekly, 1 st team NFC; Football Digest All-NFL team) 1998 Jamal Anderson, RB (Pro Football Weekly), Jessie Tuggle, LB (Pro Football Weekly), Ray Buchanan, CB (Pro Football Weekly) 2000 Darrick Vaughn, Returner (Pro Football Weekly) 2004 Keith Brooking, LB (Pro Football Weekly), Rod Coleman, DT (Pro Football Weekly) 2004 Rod Coleman, DT (Pro Football Weekly; PFWA) COMM. RELATIONS ADMINISTRATION COACHES 1986 Bill Fralic, G (UPl, Pro Football Weekly, 1 st team), Rick Bryan, DE (UPl, 2 nd team) 1987 Bill Fralic, G (UPl, PFWA, 1 st team), Rick Donnelly, P (UPl, 2 nd team) 1988 Rick Donnelly, P (UPl, 2 nd team), Scott Case, CB (UPl, 1 st team), Bill Fralic, G (UPl, 1 st team) 1989 Bill Fralic, G (UPl, 1 st team), Tony Casillas, DL (UPl, 2 nd team) A TLANTAFALCONS.COM 333 2009 REVIEW RECORDS & RESULTS
RECORDS & RESULTS 2009 REVIEW COACHES ADMINISTRATION COMM. RELATIONS 1966 Tommy Nobis, LB 1967 Tommy Nobis, LB (2) 1968 Tommy Nobis, LB (3) 1969 Jim Butler, RB Bob Berry, QB Greg Brezina, LB Bob Etter, K George Kunz, OT Jim Mitchell, TE Ken Reaves, DB 1970 Claude Humphrey, DE Tommy Nobis, LB (4) 1971 Claude Humphrey, DE (2) George Kunz, OT (2) 1972 George Kunz, OT (3) Tommy Nobis, LB (5) Jim Mitchell, TE (2) Claude Humphrey, DE (3) 1973 John Zook, DE Nick Mick Mayer, K George Kunz, OT (4) Claude Humphrey, DE (4) 1974 Jeff Van Note, C Claude Humphrey, DE (5) George Kunz (5) 1975 Jeff Van Note, C (2) John James, P 1976 John James, P (2) 1977 John James, P (3) Claude Humphrey, DE (6) Rolland Lawrence, DB 1978 No Selections 1979 Jeff Van Note, C (3) 1980 Mike Kenn, OT Steve Bartkowski, QB Jeff Van Note, C (4) Alfred Jenkins, WR William Andrews, RB Junior Miller, TE 1981 Mike Kenn, OT (2) Steve Bartkowski, QB (2) Jeff Van Note, C (5) Alfred Jenkins, WR (2) William Andrews, RB (2) Junior Miller, TE (2) R.C. Thielemann, OG 1982 Mike Kenn, OT (3) R.C. Thielemann, OG (2) Jeff Van Note, C (6) William Andrews, RB (3) 1983 William Andrews, RB (4) Billy Johnson, PR Mike Kenn, T (4) R.C. Thielemann, OG (3) 1984 Mike Kenn, T (5) 1985 Gerald Riggs, RB 1986 Bill Fralic, G Gerald Riggs, RB (2) 1987 Bill Fralic, G (2) Gerald Riggs, RB (3) 1988 Bill Fralic, G (3) Scott Case, CB John Settle, RB 1989 Bill Fralic, G (4) (All NFL Team of 80 s) Bill Fralic (2 nd team) // PRO BOWL SELECTIONS 1990 Andre Rison, WR 1991 Andre Rison, WR (2) Deion Sanders, CB Chris Miller, QB Chris Hinton, RT (7) 1992 Andre Rison, WR (3) Deion Sanders, CB (2) Jessie Tuggle, LB Elbert Shelley, ST 1993 Andre Rison, WR (4) Deion Sanders, CB (3) Elbert Shelley, ST (2) Norm Johnson, K (2) Bobby Hebert, QB 1994 Jessie Tuggle, LB (2) Elbert Shelley, ST (3) Terance Mathis, WR 1995 Jessie Tuggle, LB (3) Elbert Shelley, ST (4) Morten Andersen, K (7) Chris Doleman, DE (7) Craig Heyward, RB (1) 1996 No Selections 1997 LB Jessie Tuggle (4) QB Chris Chandler (1) 1998 LB Jessie Tuggle (5) S Eugene Robinson (3) CB Ray Buchanan (1) RB Jamal Anderson (1) QB Chris Chandler (2) OT Bob Whitfield (1) 1999 No Selections 2000 No Selections 2001 LB Keith Brooking (1) 2002 LB Keith Brooking (2) QB Michael Vick (1) 2003 LB Keith Brooking (3) TE Alge Crumpler (1) 2004 LB Keith Brooking (4) TE Alge Crumpler (2) DE Patrick Kerney (1) KR/PR Allen Rossum (1) QB Michael Vick (2 ) 2005 LB Keith Brooking (5) DT Rod Coleman (1) TE Alge Crumpler (3) RB Warrick Dunn (3) CB DeAngelo Hall (1) QB Michael Vick (3) 2006 TE Alge Crumpler (4) CB DeAngelo Hall (2 ) 2008 RB Michael Turner (1) WR Roddy White (1) 2009 WR Roddy White (2) 334 A TLANTAFALCONS.COM
// NFC OF THE WEEK OFFENSIVE DEFENSIVE SPECIAL TEAMS 1984 RB Gerald Riggs (Week 1) WR Alfred Jackson (Week 14) 1985 Gerald Riggs (Week 11) 1986 QB David Archer (Week 3) RB Gerald Riggs (Week 6) 1987 1988 RB Gerald Riggs (Week 3) LB Aundray Bruce (Week 12) 1989 1990 QB Chris Miller (Week 5) S Scott Case (Week 16) 1991 QB Chris Miller (Week 9) CB Deion Sanders (Week 4) CB Deion Sanders (Week 12) S Brian Jordan (Week 15) 1992 S Scott Case (Week 11) 1993 QB Bobby Hebert (Week 12) CB Deion Sanders (Week 15) LB Darion Conner (Week 7) K Norm Johnson (Week 8) 1994 WR Andre Rison (Week 2) S Kevin Ross (Week 10) 1995 QB Jeff George (Week 10) DE Chris Doleman (Week 1) K Morten Andersen (Week 3) QB Bobby Hebert (Week 17) DE Chris Doleman (Week 5) K Morten Andersen (Week 15) K Morten Andersen (Week 17) 1996 RB Jamal Anderson (Week 10) 1997 DE Chuck Smith (Week 7) KR Byron Hanspard (Week 15) DT Travis Hall (Week 14) 1998 QB Chris Chandler (Week 6) DE Chuck Smith (Week 10) KR Tim Dwight (Week 5) RB Jamal Anderson (Week 9) CB Ray Buchanan (Week 11) 1999 DE Chuck Smith (Week 8) (NFC Champ.) 2000 PR Tim Dwight (Week 17) 2001 RB Jamal Anderson (Week 2) LB Keith Brooking (Week 6) K Morten Andersen (Week 1) QB Chris Chandler (Week 15) 2002 QB Michael Vick (Week 13) DE Patrick Kerney (Week 9) K Jay Feely (Week 7) LB Keith Brooking (Week 11) DE Brady Smith (Week 12) 2003 RB Warrick Dunn (Week 10) 2004 QB Michael Vick (Week 2) KR Allen Rossum QB Michael Vick (Week 8) (NFC Divisional Playoffs) TE Alge Crumpler (Week 12) 2005 DT Rod Coleman (Week 3) 2006 TE Alge Crumpler (Week 7) DE John Abraham (Week 1) K Morten Andersen (Week 4) QB Michael Vick (Week 8) S Lawyer Milloy (Week 13) 2007 QB Chris Redman (Week 17) K Morten Andersen (Week 10) 2008 RB Michael Turner (Week 1) WR Harry Douglas (Week 12) RB Michael Turner (Week 3) QB Matt Ryan (Week 9) RB Michael Turner (Week 17) 2009 S Thomas DeCoud (Week 6) A TLANTAFALCONS.COM FALCONS NFC OF THE WEEK 335 COMM. RELATIONS ADMINISTRATION COACHES 2009 REVIEW RECORDS & RESULTS
RECORDS & RESULTS 2009 REVIEW COACHES ADMINISTRATION COMM. RELATIONS OFFENSIVE DEFENSIVE SPECIAL TEAMS 1986 QB David Archer (Sept.) 1988 CB Scott Case (Nov.) 1990 WR Andre Rison (Oct.) 1991 LB Jessie Tuggle (Dec.) 1993 CB Deion Sanders (Nov.) 1995 K Morten Andersen (Sept.) K Morten Andersen (Dec.) 1997 KR Byron Hanspard (Dec.) 1998 RB Jamal Anderson (Nov.) QB Chris Chandler (Dec.) 2002 Jay Feely (Oct.) 2004 DE Patrick Kerney (Sept.) 2005 DT Rod Coleman (Oct.) 2008 QB Matt Ryan (Oct.) // NFC OF THE MONTH FALCONS NFC OF THE MONTH QB MATT RYAN 336 A TLANTAFALCONS.COM